Branston supports Scotland’s most spectacular Bluebell Wood

Woodland Trust Scotland has received a cheque for £1,000 from Branston's Scotland site to support Kinclaven Bluebell Wood in Perthshire.

Woodland Trust Scotland bought the wood last year thanks to a generous gift in the will of a longstanding supporter. Since then the Trust has been raising funds to manage and expand the woodland. A new carpark takes visitors' cars off the surrounding roads and also has room for buses, so the site is now ready to host outdoor learning activities for local schools.

Once at risk of an uncertain future if sold on the open market, the wood is well loved by the local community and is well known for its extensive carpet of bluebells in the spring. Kevin Imrie, general manager of Branston Abernethy, said: “We’re delighted to support this beautiful bluebell wood - it’s really important to us to support natural areas around the region and preserve its precious countryside and scenery. The team at Branston is really proud to help support such an important natural site in the area. Many children will benefit from the engaging activities that Woodland Trust Scotland has planned and we hope to get involved ourselves too! We’re looking forward to planting native trees in the autumn, and helping remove non-native invasive species.”

As well as providing financial support, Branston staff from the Abernethy site have volunteered to assist in educational classes hosted by Woodland Trust Scotland. Jill Aitken, site manager of Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “Our ongoing fundraising campaign helps us to protect and restore the bluebell wood, and plant native trees in adjacent fields. We’re incredibly grateful to Branston for supporting this campaign. We’re aiming to plant 30,000 native trees over the next three years and Branston will play a large part in this. Donations from local businesses are essential, alongside local appeals and grant applications for the local area and further afield.”

Images: Mark Robb, QA manager and Jim Aitken, senior agronomist from Branston with Jill Aitken, site manager for Woodland Trust Scotland.