Residents urged to have their say on future use of Perthshire asset

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Those behind Comrie’s Community Woodland want as many people as possible to have a say on the vision and future uses for the site to the south of Cultybraggan Camp.Residents approved the idea that the 46-acre community-owned hill ground site opposite the camp should become a new native woodland at a public gathering in 2011.It has taken some time to meet the aim, but the work is now complete thanks to a Scottish Forestry grant and thousands of hours of volunteers’ time.Around 20,000 trees have been planted, with open spaces left to take in the amazing views and to help maintain important wildflower species and biodiversity.As well as planting trees and path-making, volunteers with backgrounds in ecology have been conducting surveys of plants, birds and butterflies to monitor the biodiversity of the woodland over time.And a Perth and Kinross Community Environment Challenge Fund grant has allowed improved access.In addition, a small parking area has been installed at the main gate, and a small bridge has also been built across a historic mill lade.The hill ground improvements were revealed at an open day in autumn last year hosted by the Community Woodland Group, which is one of the working groups of Comrie Development Trust (CDT).The open day was attended by more than 200 people, who enjoyed music and food in the new timber gathering place, as well as tours of the site along paths which link in with existing walks.The woodland group is now consulting once again with the community to help create a longer-term vision for the community asset, which will act as a guide for future activities and uses for the woodland.James Reid, who is coordinator of the Community Woodland Group, said: “We would love it if as many people as