Case study detail
Ranger Guided Walk
Perthshire Big Tree Country
Contributed by:
Fiona Meikle
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Trees and woodlands are a major part of the living landscape in Perthshire. The aim of the Big Tree Country Project is to bring visitors and local people closer to the natural world and help them celebrate and enjoy our unique arboreal heritage. Being among trees is also immensely therapeutic - the ideal stressbuster, in fact!
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Overview
Perthshire enjoys worldwide recognition for its outstanding tree and woodland heritage. Around 13% (90,000 hectares) of Perthshire is covered in trees and the area boasts 22 of the 100 `Heritage Trees of Scotland`. No other region in the UK or Europe has such a remarkable or internationally important woodland resource.
Trees have long been part of Perthshire's cultural heritage. In Fortingall churchyard there is an ancient yew reputed as the oldest living tree in Europe; Birnam has a gnarled oak, thought to be the last survivor of the wood made famous in Shakespeare's `Macbeth` and, on the banks of the River Tay, sits an oak dedicated to famous Scot's fiddler, Niel Gow. Under its branches he is said to have composed many of Scotland's finest fiddle tunes. National bard, Robert Burns visited the area in the 18th century and was inspired to write the poems - `The Birks O'Aberfeldy` and `The Humble Petition of Bruar Water` - in praise of trees.
Scotland has a proud history of plant collecting, with Perthshire staking the main claim to fame. The great plant hunters Archibald Menzies and David Douglas were born in Aberfeldy and Scone respectively. Douglas introduced more than 200 new plants to Britain including some of the most important trees in our countryside, such as the Douglas fir.
Perthshire is also recognised to be the birthplace of modern forestry thanks to the `planting` Dukes of Atholl who planted 27 million conifers `for beauty and profit` around Dunkeld.
Today, the extensive woodlands form a wonderful recreational resource for walking and a range of other outdoor pursuits.
Heritage Conservation
In 1998, the main agencies with responsibility for promoting access to the countryside in Perthshire commissioned a major survey to identify the current status of and potential for improvement to the main forest and tree locations in Perthshire. The report recommended a comprehensive development programme at many sites.
This led to the development of the `Perthshire Big Tree Country` branding and formation of a partnership steering group comprising: Forestry Commission, Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust, Perth & Kinross Council, Perthshire Tourist Board (now VisitScotland Perthshire) and Scottish Enterprise Tayside.
A pilot programme of physical improvements was undertaken at selected sites in 2000/2001 accompanied by a number of ongoing `Big Tree Country` marketing initiatives to promote the unique wooded countryside and reflect Perthshire's green strengths.
In 2004 the project received a half-million pound shot in the arm from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with funds allocated to protect the living woodland heritage at 25 sites and make it more accessible both physically and intellectually. Total planned investment over the period 2005 to 2008 will be £1.65 million.
The programme of action will:
> restore and conserve outstanding examples of tree and woodland heritage in Big Tree Country
> encourage greater awareness, understanding, involvement and enjoyment of the heritage for both residents and visitors
> promote improved responsible, recreational and intellectual access to the heritage
> help support fragile rural economies through increased visitors
Eco-tourism
The woodland resource provides the area with a strong basis for environmental tourism and research has shown that `countryside and nature` is a key interest for visitors with demand growing strongly.
Well defined path networks exist in and around Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Birnam, Crieff and Comrie covering a total of 133 miles/ 214km of waymarked routes, many of which pass through richly wooded countryside. Development of networks around Blairgowrie and Perth is currently underway. Estimated recreational usage of the network breaks down into 90% walkers, 8% cyclists and 2% on horseback.
From March to November each year visitors can take advantage of an extensive programme of countryside events and guided walks at locations throughout Perthshire. Again, the main focus is the nurturing woodland habitat, home to an astonishing variety of species. Events appeal to all ages and include `Flowers of the Forest`, `Broadleaved Brilliance, Red Squirrel Workshops and a Festival of Nettles!
There are also many informal opportunities for wildlife encounters in the varying woodland environments found throughout the area.
Now in its fourth year, the Enchanted Forest is an autumnal night time sound and light extravaganza that pays homage to Perthshire's magnificent trees and dramatic water features. The 2004 event at The Hermitage in Dunkeld attracted over 10,000 people.
Faskally Wood, near Pitlochry, is the venue for 2005 and visitors will enjoy a visual and aural feast themed around `The Water of Life` - from 21st October to 6th November.
Marketing
The marketing priority for the Big Tree Country initiative is to attract the UK secondary holiday market, in particular Scots taking short breaks at home, and the leisure day visit market.
A brochure entitled `Perthshire Big Tree Country - what to see and do in the great outdoors ` forms one of the main strands of activity and has details of over 60 superb countryside sides plus ideas for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. The guide is free of charge and the majority of the sites are free and accessible on a year round basis. Brochure descriptions emphasise the quality of the environment and ease of access and attempt to encourage geographical dispersal of visitors.
An attractive and detailed website features Big Tree Country locations and will be significantly updated and enhanced as a result of the recent HLF grant award.
Other activity includes media advertising in outdoor/natural heritage publications, themed press visits and joint promotions with Big Tree Country partners.
For further information on Perthshire's Big Tree Country project please contact:
Fiona Meikle
Environmental Tourism Manager
VisitScotland Perthshire
T: 01738 627958
E: fiona.meikle@visitscotland.com
Paul McLennan
Big Tree Country Project Officer
Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust
T: 01738 475255
E: pmclennan@pkc.gov.uk
Key features
land use
Key data
Completion Date: 15/08/2005
Project Team:
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Local Authority:
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