The Pirn Community Woodland
The Pirn 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 site was planted with the help of St Ronan's Primary School and the local community. Initially 200 oak trees were planted by community work days. The establishment of locally scarce Juniper scrub on higher slopes has been supported by the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust.
At the top of the woodland is Pirn Hill which is crowned by the remains of an Iron Age fort. Stunning views of the Tweed and neighbouring valleys can be seen from its summit.
Access
The site has a mixture of well surfaced forestry tracks to the north west of the site and secondary grass paths along the A72 side of the wood.
The climb up to the viewpoint is steep and energetic but worth the effort.
How to reach Pirn Community Woodland
The wood can be accessed via Lei then Road (B709) off the A72 within Innerleithen, or through Horsburgh Terrace which is the next left after Leithen Rd if heading to Walkerburn on the A72.
How to contact us
Contact the community officer at Borders Forest Trust on 01835 830 750
For further information on the forts history try these links: