Field visits at this year’s Gathering will include,
Alyth Hill
This new woodland is a clear example of the move to “reposition” the national forest closer to communities in order to deliver multiple benefits. The design of the new forest, success and achievements and community involvement will be explained by Robin Lofthouse (FES). Marian Bruce (RS member and chair of Alyth Hill Users Group) will lead a tour through the community woodland; including orchard and bike trails. There will be options to admire the views from the top of Alyth Hill and/or descend into the beautiful woodlands in the Den o’ Alyth.
Bamff Estate and The Scottish Woodland Skills Centre
Bamff is a small estate on the edge of the Scottish Highlands in East Perthshire. It is managed for organic sheep farming, timber, native woodland, forest regeneration, affordable housing and renewable energy.
Over the last three decades there has been an emphasis on ecological management which has been assisted by two families of beavers and a herd of wild boar. The Estate also hosts the Scottish Woodland Skills centre that offers a wide variety of practical courses throughout the year, from bee keeping to spoon carving.
More information is available in the Gathering Programme.