Primary Planters on the Dun
The Community Mountain, Dun Coillich near Schiehallion, has just had its first "planting visit" by local school, Kenmore Primary. The 18 children came by minibus and were met by members of Highland Perthshire Community Land Trust (HPCLT) at the Glengoulandie Deer and Caravan car park, courtesy of its owner, Sandy McAdam.
Then they proceeded to the Dun Coillich land, through the Forestry Commission plantation at Braes of Foss (permission, of course, granted from the Forestry Office in Dunkeld). A brief safety talk: a short walk noting roe deer tracks and the remains of a wasp’s nest, which might have been left by a badger, and Julie Gardiner and Russell Coope of HPCLT explained the reasons for the tree-planting on Dun Coillich showing the different seedling species.
Next the work: the children divided into groups of three and were issued with bags of seedlings, trowels and spades. A further walk through the heather took us up to the tree-planting site, which |
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lwas mounded by machines last year. Julie demonstrated the method of planting, one tree on each mound. The children then set to with great enthusiasm and upwards of 100 seedlings were planted in no time.
Luckily the weather was fantastic and we enjoyed good views of Schiehallion. Everyone kept warm and cheerful and wide ranging discussions were held about rocks, measuring the weight of the earth, birds and plants. Lunch was eaten sitting on lengths of plastic culvert and chatting about this and that. Finally, Lynette Borrodaile organised a hilarious game to demonstrate the functions of the different parts of a tree.
The children and adults alike seemed to enjoy the occasion and we agreed that a return visit should be made to check on the success of the planting.
The Trust hopes very much that other local schools, particularly Glen Lyon, Kinloch Rannoch, Breadalbane and Grandtully, will take advantage of what is on offer at Dun Coillich.
The children were from primary classes 4 and 5 at Kenmore and were accompanied by their teacher, Jim Liney, and classroom assistants Adele Armstrong and Mrs Wardle. Abigail Baldwin Thomson, Project Officer at the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership, was also present giving valuable assistance, whilst Jeanie Skoyles of the Perth and Kinross ranger service kindly lent spades and gave timely advice. The HPCLT team also included Clare Thomas, Beryl Coope, and Tim and Ruth Fison. HPCLT would also like to pay tribute to Ann Burrell, headteacher of Kenmore Primary, for taking up the idea of involving her school in such outdoor activities.
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