TIMELINE
Back in 2001 a group of people saw the potential for how active restoration of this landscape could help connect our community with place and each other – and enable nature to thrive at the same time.
A lot has changed since then! Share our journey….
2001
A 420-hectare deer farm and land at Glengoulandie comes on the market – a group of locals see potential for community-based restoration of the land.
2002
After public meetings and successful fundraising the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust (HPCLT) is formed with the purpose of holding land in community ownership. HPCLT is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and becomes a registered charity. HPCLT takes possession of the land at Dùn Coillich in May 2022…and the real work begins!
2005
First tree planting underway: 125,000 native trees are planted, mostly on the western side of the site.
2006
Work starts on improving visitor infrastructure with construction of main car park. Visits from local schools begin and biodiversity improvements start with creation of a series of large wildlife scrapes.
2007
Tree planting continues under Woodland Grant Scheme with associated work on fence maintenance and deer control to protect young trees.
2008
Infrastructure improvements continue with building of the ‘hut’; Trust presented with the Perthshire Big Tree Country Award for Wildlife Conservation in the Community.
2009
Keltneyburn Hydro Scheme comes online, securing small annual income for the Trust through rental and generation payments.
2010
Initial public footpaths created, marked by posts through the heather and only really suitable for more adventurous visitors!
2012
Forest manager Willie McGhee comes on board to advise on tree maintenance and deer control. Willie’s involvement kickstarts exciting new management plans and further outreach programmes.
2016
Wee Birks field in Aberfeldy is gifted by Duncan Menzies Trust, a parcel of land now managed for the benefit of the people of Aberfeldy.
Rural skills training, volunteering and education outreach pilot project, devised by Willie McGhee, and created to strengthen links with local community – programme is led by new project officer Heather Hamilton and funded by SSE Sustainability Fund, Robertson Trust and Hugh Fraser Foundation.
First satellite tag fitted to a hen harrier fledged on Dùn Coillich, and a record 55 male black grouse counted at the Dùn Coillich lek – nature is returning!
2017
Heart of Scotland Forest Partnership launched with HPCLT as a founding partner – enables funding to replace southern boundary fence and building of the all-abilities ‘Foss Loop Trail’.
2018
Funding secured for three year ‘Youth Training and Volunteer Project’, supporting:
- 10,000 hours of practical work from volunteers, trainees, local schools and groups
- further walking trail development, fenceline security improvements and better tree protection
- 37 young people to access rural skills training
- visits from over 1,000 people through volunteering, public events, site visits and educational outreach projects.
2021
Weather station installed, recording the temperature, rainfall and windspeed year-round. Powered by the solar battery it transmits data to a web database and is available at www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/IPITL09
2022
‘Positive Destinations’ project launched, and each year:
- 200 volunteers put in 3,000 hours
- public events attract over 200 people
- outdoor learning is delivered for over 300 young people
- 12 trainees are given the opportunity to gain accredited qualifications and practical work experience.
2024
15,000 more trees planted as part of SSEN compensatory planting for Kinardochy sub station work – in time, a mixed oak and hazel woodland will cover our eastern slopes. Project also funds vital replacement of roadside fence, allowing for some internal fencing to be removed.
Today
We watch the wildlife return and keep welcoming new volunteers, new trainees and new visitors as our landscape bursts into life!
