Nature lovers in a Perth neighbourhood are being encouraged to go down to the woods today - and every day - after a big surprise was unveiled by a group of green-fingered volunteers.
The happy helpers and Dupplin Estate staff have made huge improvements to Craigie Community Woodland to encourage more use from local people.
The joint project between South Perth Green Spaces Group and the landowners, Dupplin Estate, sees a host of upgrades installed including picnic tables, maps, path improvements and improvements to drainage.
Funded by Scottish Forestry and Dupplin Estate information boards have also been erected which provide information on local flora and fauna over the course of the year and wildlife that can be found in the woodland.
As part of the improvements, new post and rail fences and access gates have been installed on the woodland’s boundary. The woodland can be accessed from Craigieknowes and Glenlochay Road.
The 18-month long project was supported by Scottish Forestry’s Woods In and Around Towns scheme, which tackles barriers people face to visiting and benefiting from woodlands.
A spokesperson for South Perth Green Spaces Group said: “We are delighted to be able to bring these improvements to Craigie Community Woodland alongside Dupplin Estate, which we hope will encourage the local community to explore the great outdoors right here in Perth.
“After two years of lockdowns people have a new sense of appreciation for the green spaces around them and projects such as this one not only make these spaces more accessible but help preserve them for generations to come.
“We would like to thank Scottish Forestry and Dupplin Estate for their funding and support in bringing this project to life.”
South Perth Green Spaces Group was set up by volunteers to maintain and develop green spaces for the benefit of the local community and wildlife.
Alongside landowner Perth and Kinross Council, South Perth Green Spaces Group also helps to manage areas of the popular woodland at St Magdalene’s Hill.
Regular activities include coppicing, litter picking and meadow management to help encourage biodiversity.
As well as practical work the group meet on a monthly basis.
The group are now welcoming new members to help with their work in the local community.
For more information, or if interested in joining the group, email spgsg817@gmail.com
