Scottish Native Woods received a grant of £16,945 in February 2003. The application for the Corlarach Project was submitted by SNW with the support of Dunadd Community Council, and local groups and organisations such as Kilmartin House Museum and the Stockavullin Community Group. The project delivered improved access and necessary works for native woodland expansion and was managed by Scottish Native Woods' Area Manager for the West Highlands. The wood is owned by Gordon Brechin, who farms the adjacent ground.
Background
Corlarach Wood is an area of Long Established Plantation, which is adjacent to the Kilmartin Sand and Gravel Quarry. It is clearly visible from the village of Kilmartin, forming a prominent part of the landscape within Kilmartin Glen. The existing road which serves the quarry leads on through the quarry to walks and historic sites such as the Lady's Seat and Ormaig Cup and Ring Marks, and is a popular route.
Potential for improvement
Previous felling of exotic conifers at Corlarach opened up an opportunity to deliver enhanced biodiversity and landscape benefits by creating additional areas of native woodland.
The need for a path which gave locals and visitors enhanced opportunities to take access around, rather than through, the quarry area was backed by support from Argyll & Bute's work on Core Path Networks in the area.
Practical Works
The Project delivered several practical outcomes.
Enhancing access
One of the main drivers of the project was the desire to provide an alternative access route which avoided quarry workings.
The path
To this end a 400m path has been constructed which allows locals and visitors to get access to areas beyond the quarry without using the road through the quarry. The path was machine built by A Sherrifs, a contractor based in the local town of Lochgilphead, with provision of geotextiles and drainage as required. The price of the path was considerably less than the original quotation: the contractor had misunderstood the route of the path for which he was quoting, and the tight deadline for submission of the application had not allowed for this to be properly checked in December 2002.
Bridge and gates
A footbridge and two gates were constructed from Argyll oak by AJ Parsons Woodworking, who are based in nearby Kilmichael Glen. Sustainable use of local native timber is a good way of adding value and of demonstrating the potential for producing hardwood timber from our native woodlands.
Signs
Selkie Associates designed and commissioned two A3 signs from Lochgilphead based Midtown Acrylics. These signs highlight the alternative route skirting the quarry, and acknowledge the role of the Scottish Executive, Forestry Commission and Scottish Native Woods in developing, funding and implementing the scheme.
Enhancing biodiversity
The Project also aimed to deliver conservation outputs, and the necessary physical works for this are in place.
Fencing
Stock fencing was required to keep grazing animals out of the regenerating woodland, so that the young trees could grow without being eaten! It was originally intended to give the fencing contract to a fencer based in Cairnbaan, however due to illness he was eventually unable to take on the job. The Area Manager was fortunate to be able to secure the services of Rob Cameron and Lorne Fowler, from Easdale, who were able to complete the 2100m fence within the time allocated to the Project.
Removal of exotic seedlings
Site assessment revealed that there were a number of exotic seedlings in the wood which would prevent the site from reaching its full potential as a native woodland. These seedlings were removed by Di Thomas, who lives in Cairnbaan.
Community involvement
The Project gained the support of representative bodies within the community, and SNW worked with the community to deliver the project. All of the contractors who worked at Corlarach were based in Argyll, and almost all of them within 10 miles of Kilmartin.
In addition, the Area Manager delivered a well received talk to a meeting of the Dunadd Community Council. The meeting was well attended, with over 20 people present, and the Manager was pleased to receive further written confirmation from the Council of their support for the Project.
Promotion
SNW produced a press release, which was picked up by the Argyllshire Advertiser and formed the basis for a press story.
Securing the long term future of the Site
It is important that the condition of works carried out is monitored and facilities maintained as necessary. To this end SNW secured a Forestry Commission Woodland Grant, which will provide Annual Management Grant for the on-going maintenance of the footpath.
SNW will also undertake monitoring of the woodland regeneration to ensure that biodiversity and conservation benefits are delivered.
In conclusion
Despite some alteration to the path and a change in fencing contractor, Scottish Native Woods were able to deliver the Project within budget, and also to secure necessary funding for the ongoing maintenance of the path. The project has been much appreciated by the local community.
Acknowledgements
In addition to the Community Environmental Renewal Grant, the Scottish Native Woods West Highland Area Manager in 2002-03 was part-funded by the Scottish Executive Rural Challenge Fund.
Contact
Scottish Native Woods
1 Crieff Road
Aberfeldy
Perthshire
PH15 2BJ
Telephone: 01887 820392