Moncreiffe Hill Wood owned and managed by the Woodland Trust Scotland, will undergo some changes in the coming years, following a small land swap with a neighbouring landowner.
Moncreiffe Hill Wood is a major landmark just a few kilometres from Perth, offering panoramic views over the whole town. The thousands of drivers, who use the M90 on a regular basis, will have enjoyed the stunning spring and autumn colours covering the southern slope of the wood.
Currently the wood is difficult to reach from the Perth side and the new land will help to create a new access point to make the wood more accessible to visitors from the north, and will provide greater opportunities for visitors to the wood.
The first major change will be the installation of a new car park which is anticipated to be completed by the end of spring 2010.
Subsequent changes will be to increase the 14km path network by creating new and linking exiting paths; the installation of a sculpture trail; open up new view points, produce new interpretation materials which will encourage more people to visit the site; to work with local schools and promote the wood as a place of outdoor learning and to encourage the local community to participate in tree planting activities
Jill Aitken, site manager said “Moncreiffe Hill Wood is a fantastic place to visit, but is sometimes overlooked by the people of Perth. Thanks to the land swap we are now in a position to open the site up so more people can enjoy this woodland gem. “
The work is possible thanks to funding from the Gannochy Trust, Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, the Aitken Legacy, the Scottish Government and the European Union (EU).
Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
Jacqui Morris on 01355 578777 or mobile 07979 706675 alternatively call The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail
media@woodlandtrust.org.ukThe Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.
In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. In the last 25 years the Trust has increased its holdings in Scotland it now owns 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,500 hectares. Further news can be accessed via this website.