CWA Conference 2025 - Site Visits

Read about the sites on offer and what you will learn during your visit

Cambusbarron Community Development Trust

Gillies Hill Community woodland consists of 64 Ha of mixed forest.  We have many features on site including the ruins of a country house (Polmaise castle), several ponds related to the house, a walled garden, indigenous red squirrels and Specimen trees including giant sequoia, costal pine, monkey puzzle and some large scots pine. 

What you will learn about: 

  • Our recovery and replanting from compulsory larch removal in part of the woodland 

  • Our attempts to engage the community and bring the walled garden back into use 

  • The difficulties of operating a safe path network as a volunteer organisation 

  • The development of our woodland work base to support future woodland activities

Doune Ponds Nature Reserve

This ward winning 40 acre woodland and water site is managed by Doune Community Woodland Group. We work closely with Moray Estates, the Landowner, and Kilmadock Community Council in a unique set up. 

Since the group took over the site management in 2014, our volunteers have made a number of changes without spoiling the natural feel. It is used by the local community and visitors alike, with a number of walking groups coming from outside the area making regular visits. Working with a management plan the volunteers carry out nearly all the work themselves in a structured way. Over 1500 meters of all-abilities paths have been created along with building a number of new structures to enhance the visitor experience. There is usually a variety of wildlife to see in the different areas and our bio-diversity has been developed. 

You will learn: 

  • How we have engaged with the community and carry out our fundraising activities 

  • How we have created and update our management plan 

  • How we have used and developed the skills of our volunteers 

Kippen Community Woodland Group

Burnside Wood lies to the south of Kippen. The eastern end of the wood has grown up on what used to be common grazing and the western part was gifted to the village by Stephen Mitchell of Boquhan. The 11.5 hectare wood contains a diverse range of habitats and was designated a Local Nature Conservation Site in 2019. 

  
Kippen Community Woodland Group was established in 1998 to assist the land owners with management of the woodland for conservation, recreation and education. Our volunteer numbers are small and we are interested in hearing what other groups do to bolster support. During the visit we will explore the woodland using the easy access paths, taking in the pond and fen, providing:

Opportunities to learn about: 

  • Maintenance and repair of the former curling pond, including new infrastructure to maintain the level in the pond and to lower it when clearing out vegetation 

  • Problems maintaining boardwalks and what we have done to replace them 

  • The challenges presented by the Old Coup