When an experienced forester joined our group in 2019 the possibility of creating a community woodland became a realistic possibility. After many approaches to local landowners, in 2020 we had an offer that we readily accepted to develop a small new wood in Spittalfield (between Blairgowrie and Dunkeld). This is now ready to be planted in October, with many local people keen to plant and look after trees. Our aim is to have at least 10 families or individuals plant 50 trees each (all native trees and planted slightly randomly – not in straight rows!) As these trees grow we see this wood making a small contribution towards helping wildlife find homes, to draw down some CO2 from the atmosphere and create a place of beauty for people to enjoy.
A new group has formed out of the Climate Café and is applying for charitable status and looking for sources of funding. While the soon-to-be-planted wood will be a pilot, the group’s ambitions have grown to encompass all of the Tayside area with representatives on the steering group from Dundee and Angus as well as Perthshire. It also already has a mailing list of 26 supporters and counting.
If you would like to know more or get involved, please contact us on: info@climatecafeblair.org.uk.