Balnasuim Wood Replanting

Project

Balnasuim Wood, a one hectare plot of largely non-native Sitka spruce at the foot of

Ben Lawers, was acquired as a by-product of buying grazing rights for conservation.

After wind damage over a number of years, the potential for trees to fall across the

road meant the time had come to fell the crowded stand, providing an opportunity to

use the land in a manner more in keeping with the Trust’s objectives at Ben Lawers.

Robin Worsnop (pictured right), Managing Director of Rabbie’s small

coach tours, generously agreed to fund the replanting project as a way

of “giving something back” to the environment.

The ground was prepared for the new planting by mulching the brash - the branches

removed from the felled trees.

Mature native trees around the edge of the plantation were retained and a core area

within these was deer-fenced by staff and volunteers on our working-holiday Thistle

Camp to protect the majority of young trees.

A mixture of native species, including holly, oak and

alder, were chosen to repopulate the area, increasing

the diversity for wildlife. Hazel was the predominate

species planted and this will be coppiced by staff from

the Scottish Crannog Centre for building and activities.

Rabbie’s also provided buses to enable P5, 6 & 7 pupils from two local schools,

Kenmore and Killin Primaries and P7 pupils from Leith Primary in Edinburgh to

travel to Ben Lawers and the Scottish Crannog Centre.

At Balnasuim the pupils took part in fun activities to learn about the environmental

value of trees and all planted some.

At the Scottish Crannog Centre the pupils had the opportunity to try out traditional

crafts using coppiced hazel.

A big thank you to all

the children and staff

for all their help tree

planting!

The Crannog’s coppice project has been supported by

the Rural Tayside Leader Programme and the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust.