The Dùn Coillich Community Land Project: progress 2001 - 2003

Winter 2001 - 02

In November 2001, 1100 acres of hill ground, known as Glengoulandie Hill, came on the market. A steering group of local people was soon formed with the objective of purchasing this land for the Highland Perthshire community. The steering group sought support from within Highland Perthshire, and also from the Scottish Land Fund, who were understood to be keen to support a community land bid in Perthshire. Although they did make a substantial grant towards the bid preparation costs, the Land Fund declined to support the purchase financially, and the Steering Group were faced with a significant shortfall of funds. However, thanks to last minute donations from within the community, the funds were raised and the community bid was accepted by the seller in January.

The work continued over the winter, preparing the legal documents necessary for the creation of a formal community trust. The steering group/trust would like to thank the many local people and organisations who gave their time and expertise, and all those who gave donations to enable a successful bid to be made.

Spring 2002

The inaugural meeting and AGM of the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust (HPCLT) was held in Aberfeldy on 27th March. The HPCLT is registered as a Scottish Company Limited by Guarantee and is recognised as a charity. See AGM 2002 for a summary of the AGM, the election of the Trustees and the Trust's objectives.

On May 10th 2002, the HPCLT announced the successful purchase of Dùn Coillich, 1100 acres of hill land situated approximately 6 miles north west of Aberfeldy. This was the first ever community land purchase in the Perthshire Highlands. See Press release - 10.05.02 for more information. Click on the following links for online maps of Dùn Coillich and Highland Perthshire or view Ordnance Survey maps.

Summer 2002

Survey work: Members of the trust and volunteers have been conducting base-line surveys of the flora and fauna on Dùn Coillich. Survey work over the summer has shown that there is natural regeneration of willow, birch and rowan in the area adjacent to the Allt Mor, and rowan on other areas of the hill, and it is hoped that these young trees will survive in the longer term now that the removal of sheep and deer has reduced the grazing pressure. The birdlife on the hill has also been surveyed, and sightings of almost different 70 species having been recorded to date. Russell Coope has also been monitoring insects on Dùn Coillich, and the populations of beetles in particular. This survey work is ongoing, anyone who wishes to help with the vegetation surveys should contact Ruth Atkinson on 01887 820105.

The 2002 Birdathon took place in June and was a great success. A total of more than £1240 was raised, of which 50% was generously donated to the HPCLT.

On August 3rd, members of the Trust walked over Dùn Coillich, with a view to considering the existing Woodland Grant Scheme, and future woodland management policies. Some members expressed the view that they would not like to see extensive planting on the hill, while others were in favour of planting native trees in many areas. It was suggested that a good compromise would be to promote natural regeneration where ever possible, and use some 'judicious' planting where trees would be beneficial to the ecology and landscape, i.e. in the bracken covered areas, and in areas where the heather has become rank.

Paul Jarvis attended the first meeting of the Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan at Battleby in late August. Paul gave a presentation on the current status of Dùn Coillich, and a summary of the Trust's longer term objectives.

The local Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) group had a fungal foray on Dùn Coillich on 11th September. As September was quite dry the group did not find many species, but more were found on a walk which took place later in the month.

Autumn 2002:

Robin Hull has been continuing his research into the history of Dùn Coillich, and has contributed many articles to Comment and a longer feature was published in the August edition of the Scots Magazine. Anyone with any knowledge of or historical information about Dùn Collich and the surrounding area should contact Robin (Tel. 01887 840380) or by email.

Dùn Coillich management. Members of the Trust had several meetings with Forestry Commission staff in Perth, about the options for Dùn Coillich under the existing Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) and the new Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme which will come into being in 2003. The Trust has kept all options open with regard to the WGS and is seeking input from members of the community on this and other land management issues.

Winter 2002-03:

The Trust secured Public Liability Insurance for Dùn Coillich for both members and visitors.

Car parking for visitors to Dùn Coillich: While it is possible (with care and consideration for other road users) to park beside the road at Whitebridge and above the caravan park, it soon became apparent that provision would have to be made for a car park, to enable easier public access to Dùn Coillich. After seeking advice from Charlie Ramsay and Perth and Kinross Council Roads Department, it was decided that the best location for a car park was just north of the Glengoulandie caravan park, beside the B846. The site was chosen as it satisfied road safety criteria, and because the car park itself would be less visible from the south and north, due to the nature of the land, which sits below the road. A generous donation from the Dùnard Fund then allowed for the site to be professionally surveyed and drawings completed. Plans for a carpark sufficient for 12 vehicles have now been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council Planning Department.

A series of talks and meetings were organised by by Robin Hull and Innes Smith, and were held throughout Highland Perthshire on issues relating to community land ownership. Ron Greer gave a particularly interesting talk in Moulin Village Hall on 19th February, his subject being how widespread community land ownership in Norway and North America has brought significant benefits to both their rural economy and ecology, and how this contrasted with the situation we have in most areas of Scotland. After the talks, audiences were invited to contribute their thoughts on issues relating to the future management of Dùn Coillich. With regard to this subject, the majority of those who spoke were clearly in favour of woodland restoration, the only question being whether this should be gained wholly by natural regeneration, or whether it should be achieved with the assistance of some sensitive planting of native trees. The latter option seemed to be acceptable to most people at the meeting in Moulin, but which areas may be chosen for planting and how extensive they may be were not discussed in any detail. The possibility of re-introducing species which had become extinct in Scotland (for example the European beaver) was also discussed, but most considered that the first objective should be to restore the habitat before anything else.

The second issue of HPCLT News was produced and sent to all members. The newsletter contained a progress report on Dùn Coillich, news about the survey work and car park, and a summary of the access to and map of Dùn Coillich.

A series of guided walks on Dùn Coillich were also arranged and led by Bill Hoare. These took place on February 21st, February 23rd, March 1st, and March 2nd. The walkers in February were rewarded with the sighting of a golden eagle and a flock of snow buntings.

On February 27th, planning consent for the car park was granted by Perth and Kinross Council (see above). The proposed car park is now being costed. If you can help with fund-raising or in any other way please contact Paul Jarvis on 01887 820988.

On Saturday 8th March repairs were made to an old gate in the fence which borders East Schiehallion. The John Muir Trust's re-aligned Schiehallion path will bring walkers close to Dùn Coillich and it is thought that a stile will be constructed over this fence to make access to the hill easier from Braes of Foss.

The following Saturday, the good weather allowed for more fencing repairs, in particular the replacement of the broken cable which had suspended two water gates over a precipitous section of the Allt Mor. Thanks to Rob Coope for his time (and quad bike which made the transport of materials much easier), and to all others involved, not least to Bill Hoare who instigated and co-ordinated the team.

Saturday 29th March, was the date of the 2003 Annual General Meeting which was held at the Aberfeldy Town Hall. Prior to the meeting, members enjoyed various exhibits relating to the Dùn Coillich project. These included the preliminary results of the base line flora and fauna surveys, some findings from Robin's historical research, plans for the proposed car park, and future options for the management of Dùn Coillich. The meeting was well attended and the existing eleven Trustees were duly re-appointed, these are:

Ms Ruth Atkinson
Mrs Beryl Coope - Honorary Treasurer
Mrs Marjorie Finlayson
Ms Julie Gardiner
Mr Bill Hoare
Mr Robin Hull
Prof. Paul Jarvis - Chairman
Mr Hamish Nicholson
Mr Andrew Pointer
Dr Ian Riddell
Mr Innes Smith - Deputy Chairman

After the formal business of the AGM was concluded, the raffle was drawn for the silver brooch kindly donated by Malcolm Appleby. Rob Coope was the lucky winner. After refreshments, members enjoyed an excellent presentation by Hugh Chalmers of the Borders Forest Trust. Hugh detailed the progress with Carrifran, and other community woodland projects in the south of Scotland. After his talk, questions were invited from the floor, and the meeting was concluded. Thanks to Hugh and all those who attended and contributed to the very successful afternoon.

Spring and Summer 2003:

Access and Walks. Members were provided with a map showing access points onto Dùn Coillich, but access at present can be difficult for the unknowing. Bill Hoare continued with a programme of guided walks walks to familiarise visitors with access, to show them the land and to hear their views.

The HPCLT obtained Public Liability Insurance with the Norwich Union at the time of purchase and received the written policy in August 2002, only to have continuation refused when the policy came up for renewal in 2003. However, the Trust obtained insurance cover (both public and volunteer liability) for almost the same cost with another insurance company.

The 2003 "Birdathon" took place in June, and was very successful in raising funds for the Trust. After the event, an informal party was held on Dùn Coillich, with a raffle, food and drink. Thanks to Robin and Tim Fison for all their efforts, and to Highland Safaries who provided the marquee.

In July we heard that our first attempt to obtain funding for the proposed car park from the programme "Transforming your Space" was unsuccessful. However, we were encouraged to re-apply, emphasising the "bigger picture", and another application was submitted.

Woodland regeneration. Students from Edinburgh University, aided by Paul Jarvis, enumerated the seed source trees along the Allt Mor and Goulandie burns and assessed tree regeneration up to 200 m from the burns in September 2003. After two summers largely without sheep, goats and deer, there are substantial numbers of seedlings of birch, willow and rowan coming through the heather along the Allt Mor, but very little regeneration along the Goulandie burn and none in the areas under bracken. Ash, aspen, gean and juniper are also present in the Allt Mor gorge and if browsers can be kept under effective control regeneration of more species is expected.

The Keltneyburn Hydro-Power Scheme. In February 2003, the Trustees were approached by Keltneyburn Hydro Ltd., to explore the possibility of a small-scale, 2 MW, "run of-river" hydro-electric scheme on the Allt Mor. A small sub-group of Trustees has met on several occasions with the above, plus their consultant hydrologist Dr. Shaw of Shawater Ltd., to find out about the scheme. Subsequently, the Trustees have expressed guarded approval of the scheme, provided that a number of rigorous environmental conditions are met. The Company has put out a "Scoping Study" to some 60 different organisations for their comments, prior to presentation of a full proposal to the Scottish Executive. As part of its environmental assessment, the Company has installed water depth and flow measuring equipment in the burn with our agreement, and has commissioned seven environmental surveys of the burn by specialist consultants, including "Riverine and Terrestrial Plants", and "Birds", of which we have received copies. The Secretary to the Trust (W & H Mitchell WS) has recently received a draft lease that is now being considered.

Browser management. All sheep, goats and deer were removed as a condition of purchase but some have persistently re-entered. Trustees and members made considerable efforts to maintain the area free of browsers to allow natural regeneration of trees to occur, particularly in the vicinity of the Allt Mor where there are seed sources. As points of weakness in the fence have been identified they have been repaired and reinforced and sheep have been rounded up and driven out through Glengoulandie. The goats that had re-entered were rounded up and 33 were transferred to the Kent Wildlife Trust to browse encroaching scrub on the South Downs.

Autumn 2003:

Wildlife surveys. Trustees and Members have continued to record birds and mammals on regular walks and have submitted their records to Robin Hull who produced a 27 pp. report in November "Report on Avian Ecology of Dùn Coillich". Surveys of other groups and of the vegetation have continued. Patches of large numbers of the uncommon autumn gentian (Gentianella septentrionalis) have been noted on the limestone exposures.

Browser management. As it became apparent that red deer were continuing to threaten the positive signs of regeneration, local stalkers were contracted to control deer that occasionally re-enter with the objective of keeping deer numbers (red and roe) as low as possible.

The Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) initiated by the previous owner in 1999 was cancelled by agreement with FC, giving us the option of initiating a new WGS based on the original Environmental Statement but taking a more ecological and landscape perspective. In July 2003, the Trustees agreed to proceed with submission of a modified WGS. After further visits to Dùn Coillich by a sub-group (Julie Gardiner, Ruth Atkinson, Innes Smith and Paul Jarvis), in November the Trustees agreed a reduced total planting area, with a relatively larger area of broadleaves and a smaller area of Scots pine than in the original scheme. This was submitted to the FC in Perth, together with a small number of additional changes, including a wider range of broadleaf species, staggered planting, and reduction in the Scots pine stocking density. These proposals were largely agreed and a contract has been issued. Site preparation and planting is expected to begin later in 2004.

Relationships. The Dùn Coillich western border marches with East Schiehallion, owned by the John Muir Trust (JMT), a membership organisation dedicated to accessibility of wild land to visitors. The northern boundary marches with the Forestry Commission (FC) which also has a strong visitor support policy. The HPCLT have engaged with staff of both FC and JMT separately and together to develop a collaborative approach to visitor support. Trustees have developed a good working relationship with JMT through their Director, Conservation Officer and the local Schiehallion Group, and with FC through their Forest District Manager and local Foresters. Together we have planned and are implementing a joint approach to access incorporating paths and kissing-gates inter-linking the three properties.

Publicity. To maintain contacts with the communities of Highland Perthshire, Robin Hull has also contributed regular articles in Comment and the Breadalbane Quair. Copies of the Minutes of the Trustees' meetings have also been sent to the ten Community Councils in Highland Perthshire and to the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership. Paul Jarvis has represented the Trust at the Scottish Biodiversity Forum, the Scottish Forestry Forum and the Tayside Local Biodiversity Action Plan Committee.

History. To put the land as it is today in context, Robin Hull has continued to gather information about the natural and cultural history of Dùn Coillich and the surrounding lands through interviews, historical accounts, old maps and books. Robin has now compiled this information into a book, "Ravens over the Hill", which is to be published by Perth & Kinross Libraries in the near future.

Winter 2003-2004:

Browser management. Local stalkers have continued to monitor and where necessary control red and roe deer on Dùn Coillich.

Treasurers statement. The year ended with a balance closely similar balance to the previous.

The 2003 "Birdathon" was very successful in raising funds for the Trust. The Gift Aid tax repayments from Inland Revenue were exceptional this year as we were able to reclaim tax on Membership fees for both the first and the current year. We have also received Gift Aid payments on many of the donations to the Trust made during the past two years. Subscriptions from members (see above) also added to the income.

The main expenditure was on fees connected with the successful planning application for the car park and this was largely covered by a specific grant received in 2002, and included in the previous year's financial statement. The expense of removing the goats to Kent, referred to above, very largely the transport costs, was shared equally with The John Muir Trust. The Trustees are grateful to Tim Ambrose, for his preparation and presentation of the accounts again this year.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 27th March at the Aberfeldy Town Hall. As in 2003, As in 2003, various exhibits relating to the Dùn Coillich project were on display, including details of the proposed Woodland Grant Scheme. The guest speaker was Charlie Taylor of Forestry Commission Scotland, who gave an interesting presentation of the long term plans for the state managed forests in the Tay / Tummel area.