Funding Secured for Riverside Project

11/11/2011

Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) has commenced improvement work on the Blairgowrie Riverside walk thanks to funding secured from Forestry Commission Scotland and Perth and Kinross Quality of Life Trust.

Work will include the resurfacing of Oakbank Road from Oakbank Mill to Brooklinn Mill and the resurfacing the riverside car park and half of the Keathbank Mill car park. Woodland management will involve tree surgery to two specimen trees on the riverside - a Monkey Puzzle and Giant Redwood. Further sycamore removal will take place and the area will be replanted with native species such as oak and ash which will be under planted with hazel, holly and hawthorn. PKCT have also commissioned a stone carver to create some unique carvings depicting local themes such as wild garlic, leaping salmon and bats in flights.

Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust Chairman, Bob Ellis said: “The riverside walk is a valuable asset to Blairgowrie and Rattray. The banks of the river provide a delightful walk for both locals and visitors at any time of year with plenty of natural and historical interest en route. The River Ericht takes its name from the Scots Gaelic word for `beauteous` and I am delighted that Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust are able to carry out this essential work to improve access alongside this beautiful river.”

Andrew Barrie, PKCT Strategic Routes Officer and manager of the project added:
“People of Blairgowrie and Rattray will have already seen the changes made to the tree habitat alongside the River Ericht. The proposed sycamore removal is further continuation of this work. It will allow more light to the woodland floor and the native trees and scrub species that we will plant will provide a greater benefit to local wildlife in the longer term. The resurfacing of the track and car park will benefit everyone who uses the area.”

In order to carry out the work there will be some temporary closures, which will be kept to a minimum, to cause as little inconvenience as possible. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by Christmas.