Glen Devon Receives Top Marks
The Woodland Trust Scotland has reason to celebrate after receiving a commendation in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2008 for its woodland creation project in Glen Devon.
Glen Devon is made up of three properties Glen Quey, Glen Sherup and Geordie’s Wood which together total 1233 ha (3047 acres). Since acquiring the first Glen Devon site in 2001 the Trust has been in the process of a phased conversion from largely open sheep grazed hills to new native woodland, with the last of 1.5 million trees being planted in 2008.
The woodland creation project has been more than improving biodiversity but a chance to create educational opportunities. The project has enabled the Trust to provide positive and inspirational experience of trees and woodland to local schools.
Work has also been completed to improve recreational opportunities for both the local community and visitors to the area. In May, the “Reservoirs Trails” was formally opened, this 14km way marked path leads through the Trust’s new native woodland in Glen Devon and past the four water reservoirs.
Philip Gordon site manager said: “The award recognises the Trust’s vision for a massive self sustaining resource for wildlife and people.”
The Glen Devon sites have all benefitted from the Scottish Forest Alliance, collaboration between BP, the Forestry Commission, RSPB Scotland and the Woodland Trust Scotland to create significant new areas of new areas of native woodland.
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Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact: Jacqui Morris on 01355 578777 or mobile 07979 706675 or
The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail media@woodlandtrust.org.uk
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 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,500 hectares. Further news can be accessed via www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
Scottish Forest Alliance: The Scottish Forest Alliance is a conservation project uniting BP, Forestry Commission Scotland, the Woodland Trust Scotland and the RSPB. The alliance has been working to create new native woodland, promote biodiversity, encourage community involvement and discuss the role of forests in carbon sequestration.
