August 9, 2015
The first trees of a community woodland were planted by over 40 new residents of Chapelton who showed up to volunteer in cool weather. Families of ages and sizes joined members of the development team on Sunday 26 July to plant 500 saplings before enjoying their first community BBQ.
The trees, a gift from Elsick Development Company, will grow over the next decades to form a small section of Chapelton Community Wood, part of 10-acres of green space in the 8,000 home development.
The Duke of Fife, Director of EDC, said: “The planting of the woodland is symbolic of the beginnings of a new community here in Chapelton, as these families put down roots in the North East. As the families grow and the community expands so too will the community woodland.
“The space will be a lasting legacy and an area for all local residents and those from neighbouring communities to enjoy, as well as a stable habitat for wildlife.”
Residents of Chapelton will be able to help maintain the recreational woodland, which will feature a variety of tree species, including silver birch, sessile oak, apple and pear as well as wild flowers and grass areas.
Aberdeenshire Council Kincardine and Mearns Ranger Helen Young said: “It is great that the new residents have been given this opportunity to plant trees and get involved in the creation of their community woodland. As it grows and develops the woodland will provide a fantastic area for biodiversity and wildlife interest as well as space for recreation.”
More photos of the event can be found in the Gallery section