Muirdrochwood Forest, near Carsphairn, has been a hive of activity since ownership passed to Carsphairn Community Woodland last year. Last week the new Wildlife Hide was launched, providing a grand panoramic view whilst watching wildlife in Galloway.
In March 2021, more than 4 years of work by the local volunteers of Carsphairn Community Woodland (CCW) finally paid off, with ownership taken of part of Muirdrochwood Forest. The group have wasted no time, with a timber processing shed and equipment installed, car park, walking routes being created on the site and opportunities for volunteer activities in the woodland. A highlight of recent work has been the installation of a prestigious octagonal Wildlife Hide.
This hide was created using funds from CCW and the Galloway Glens Scheme, supported by partners including the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Last week, the hide was officially opened with a gathering of project partners at the hide.
David McMillan, Chair of Carsphairn Community Woodland, said:
“The Members have all commented on what a lovely addition the hide is to the woodland and that its a very fitting building in such a beautiful landscape.”
The Galloway Glens Scheme, in partnership with the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group, oversaw the work and Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens Project Officer, was delighted to see the finished product, saying:
“A room with a view! This stunning piece of wooden architecture by the Thick and Thin Lumber Company is a cut above many wildlife hides and offers a great view across different aspects of the Muirdrochwood Forest and the surrounding landscape. The informal partnership with the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and the Carsphairn Community Woodland will provide years of interest as the woodland grows and develops around it!”
The Hide was built by Adam Murray, from Thick & Thin Lumber Company, based near Beattock. Adam added:
The timber that was chosen was locally sourced European Larch, planted in 1948. Working on the project was good fun due to the shape of the structure and to see the project through from design to milling of the timber to construction. It was also enjoyable for the midges to have a fresh source of food…”
Bob Peace, from Glenkens Red Squirrel Group, commented:
“I am really pleased to have been a part of this project – the resulting Hide is way beyond my original expectations – and I look forward to seeing it develop and become a centre of excellence for anyone with a remote interest in observing the natural environment”.
A series of events in the hide are planned in August/September, with details coming soon. These were planned in partnership with the team at the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, with a funding contribution from Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL).
Faith Hillier, Biosphere Community Officer, was at the launch event and said:
“This is a beautifully constructed hide, with a stunning view of the landscape. And it’s such a cosy space – perfect for watching a variety of birds, such as the great spotted woodpecker we saw! We are looking forward to bringing school children here to learn about the wildlife of the Muirdrochwood forest and it’s a fantastic location for the future community events we’re planning to hold in partnership with experts on red squirrels, pine martens, fungi and the night sky.”
The site has also benefitted from support through the Galloway Glens ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme, providing interpretation around the forest.
CCW are very grateful to funders of the land acquisition, Scottish Land Fund, CREFL and a discount for public benefits from Forestry and Land Scotland, and also to South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE), who funded the development costs of the forest.
Anyone planning a visit: The Muirdrochwood car park is on the B729 towards Carsphairn from the High Bridge junction (postcode: DG7 3TE), The ‘what three words’ location for the site is remit.breed.chestnuts.
For more information, follow ‘Carsphairn Community Woodland’ on facebook or website (www.carsphairn/CCWL) and look out for details of the upcoming events in the hide in coming months! If you would like to join CCW as a member (if you live in Carsphairn Community Council area) or as a supporter (if you live further afield), details are on the website or contact them at: [email protected].
The Galloway Glens Scheme seeks to ‘connect people to their heritage’ while boosting the local economy and supporting sustainable communities. It is an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by a whole range of partners including the Ga
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