Grant funding for Callander woodlands
Stirling Council have been awarded over £30,000 of Scottish Government grant funding to invest in Callander’s open spaces over the next two years.
The money, which is to be provided under the Forestry Commission Scotland’s (FCS) ‘Woodlands In and Around Towns’ (WIAT) initiative, will be used to improve safe access, open up viewpoints and safeguard the long term future of some of Callander’s most important woodlands. 
Over £20,000 is to be used to improve the sustainability and safety of Callander Lower Wood. Works will include safety surveys, tree surgery works, tree planting and restructuring felling of the non-native spruce plantation as well as a public consultation on future uses of the Lower Wood.
Stirling Council Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Environment, Transport and Public Land Councillor Danny Gibson said: “WIAT funding has provided us with a great opportunity to invest in Callander’s woodlands. The Lower Wood is especially important to local people, providing a place for recreation and somewhere to enjoy the natural environment.”
Over the past five years, Stirling Council has invested over £300,000 in its urban woodlands with much of the cash coming from FCS administered grants. 
Syd House, Conservator, Perth & Argyll Conservancy, speaking on behalf of FCS added: ‘Callander has some very fine woodlands located around it which help make it the special place it is. We are very pleased to be helping enhance the enjoyment of these woods for both locals and visitor alike as an attractive part of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park experience’.
In addition, Stirling Council have pledged over £13,000 of match funding to help deliver the Lower Wood works. This is in addition to the £16,000 already spent on consolidating the river front and improvements at the Meadows area of the town.
Stirling Council Land Conservation Team Leader Donald Balsillie said: “The programme of works over the next two years will safeguard the future of Callander Lower Wood, improving biodiversity and longevity of the native woodland. We also want the local community to have a greater involvement in managing the Lower Wood. That is why we will be consulting the Community Council, Callander’s Countryside and other local groups on the future of the woodland.”
Photos show: Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Environment, Transport and Public Land Councillor Danny Gibson and Callander Woods.
You can find us on:
© 1998–2013 Stirling Council