Published on:
24
April 2013
Alloa Academy pupils are swapping the classroom for the Back Wood at Clackmannan next week to take part in an £65,500 project to enhance the woodland.
Clackmannanshire Council is working in partnership with Central Scotland Forest Trust to carry out a range of improvements at Back Wood on the western edge of Clackmannan, south of the River Devon.
As part of the project at Back Wood, 30 second year Alloa Academy pupils have volunteered to help plant 100 trees at the woodland.
The project, funded by a Biffa Award; Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust; Clackmannanshire Environmental Improvement Fund; and Central Scotland Forest Trust
aim to replace storm-damaged trees. The funding also includes five years' worth of ongoing maintenance.
Enterprise and Environment Convener, Councillor Donald Balsillie, said: "This woodland is a key feature in the local landscape and is valued and well used by local people for dog walking and other recreational activities.
"The woodland is well established, but recent storms have caused considerable damage and many trees have come down. The opportunity arose to carry out this tree planting and restructuring of the woodland with improved public access. I'm delighted it is being supported by local school children"
A spokesman for Central Scotland Forest Trust, said: "Although the look and feel of the woodland has changed quite dramatically as a result of the felling, by re-stocking with native broadleaf species we are creating a more attractive and diverse woodland that will be retained in the landscape, for locals to use and enjoy, for many years to come".
The contractors, RTS Limited, Crieff, will also be undertaking path works, entrance improvements and a litter pick later in the summer to remove both litter and fly tipping.
It is also the intention to involve pupils from Clackmannan Primary in planting wild flowers in the woodland later in the year.