Woodland Trust Scotland Comes of Age
Celebrating 21 years in Scotland
Celebrating the Woodland Trust Scotland’s 21st Birthday, pupils from Glen Urquhart Primary School will join staff and volunteers to plant 21 trees at the Trust’s first Scottish site – Balmacaan Wood. Since 1984, the Trust, part of the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, has gone from strength to strength, today it owns 79 sites across Scotland stretching from Stranraer to Sutherland.
Covering 35 hectares on the Western Shore of Loch Ness, Balmacaan Wood is designated ancient woodland. The northern tip of the site is completely dominated by the steep rocky cliffs of Craigmonie constituting an important feature of the landscape. The wood is a popular local amenity, there are a number of circular walks from Drumndrochit and they also link up with existing footpaths in the neighbouring Forest Enterprise and Craigmonie Woodland Association properties providing an extensive network throughout the area.
Angela Douglas, Operations Director said: “This is an important anniversary in the life of the Trust in Scotland. Since 1984, the Trust has worked to increase people’s enjoyment of woodland. Hopefully by engaging with children today we can increase young people’s understanding and appreciation of trees and woodland, ensuring their enjoyment and protection for future generations.”
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Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact: Jacqui Morris, Communications Officer, Tel: 01355 578777, mobile: 07979 706675
The Woodland Trust: The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters. The Trust has four key aims: i) No further loss of ancient woodland; ii) Restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods; iii) Increasing new native woodland; iv) Increasing people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres).
In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. Today the Trust owns 79 sites across Scotland covering 7,600 hectares. Further news can be accessed via www.woodland-trust.org.uk
