Glenkinnon Community Woodland
Glenkinnon Burn is one of seven Forestry Commission Scotland owned woodland sites in the Tweed Valley that form part of a 25 year Agreement between FCS and BFT to encourage community involvement in the restoration/conservation of semi-natural woodlands.
The woodland is managed through a joint management board which meets on a quarterly basis and consists of representatives from FCS, BFT (it is hoped more representatives from Community Woodland Groups will attend with time).
The Community Woodland consists of a recent clearfelled area (now planted with mixed, native hardwoods - predominantly oak) and conifer plantation that continues up the SSSI valley. The felling of further conifer blocks within the community woodland area has been delayed temporarily due to concerns regarding the effect of increased light and changes to the micro climate that could effect the regionally important lichens and bryophytes found in this very special valley.
To date there is no formal woodland group for Glenkinnon, however all events in the woodland are exceptionally well attended and it is hoped that a group might form soon.
BFT have encouraged community involvement and interest through events, such as - tree planting, Bat & Creature of the Night walks, Summer holiday activities e.g. art workshops, The Great Mini Beast Hunt and butterfly habitat creation activities.
Access
There is a fairly rough path, with bridges and boardwalks throughout the community woodland. Not suitable for those with limited access. All path work has been achieved through voluntary input from the local Community Service Team, with timber for boardwalks and bridges donated by Scottish Borders Council Rangers Service and FCS. There are long term plans for extending the path network, to form a possible loop walk and it is hoped a biodiversity trail will be developed in future years.
How to reach Glenkinnon Wood
The woodland is situated close to the car park for Peel camp site (near the Old Peel Hospital) at Caddonfoot, near Clovenfords, Galashiels. Follow the path leading from the car park, walk through the grassed camp site area and bear left over a small boardwalk crossing a gulley. NB: the woodland has a timber entrance sign. (Grid ref NT 428341).
How to contact us
If you would like more information or to get involved, please contact BFT on 01835 830750.
For more information on the Community Wood you can access the below sites: