Barvick Burn Wood

Barvick Burn Wood is a 431-hectare site in Crieff, Perthshire that is owned and managed by the University of Edinburgh. We want to enhance biodiversity on the site by creating woodlands and improving habitats for plants and animals. 

This project will provide a wide range of opportunities for local communities, students and researchers whilst mitigating some of the University’s carbon emissions. 

Having previously been used as a grouse moor and for sheep grazing, we will be planting diverse trees, managing open habitats and working closely with our neighbours at the Barvick Burn site.

Barvick Burn Wood
Barvick Burn Wood

Work happening on site

Work on site is underway and will continue until Spring 2026 

After consultation with the public and working closely with communities surrounding the area, we have listened to feedback and developed a woodland creation plan that has been approved by Scottish Forestry. 

Over the next few months, you'll notice changes as we install deer fencing and prepare the ground to plant new trees. After this work is completed, we will plant a variety of tree species to meet the project aims of carbon sequestration, habitat improvement, and increasing local biodiversity. 

What you need to know: 

  • You may be asked to avoid a route or area for limited periods to help keep everyone safe while work is taking place. 
  • Please follow alternative routes or diversions. We aim to minimise disruption to the core paths. 
  • Look out for signage and keep an eye on our website for notifications. 
  • There will be access points in our deer fences, with self-closing gates for everyone to use. 
  • Larger management gates will be locked and used for operational access. 

Contact our Community Ranger at Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk for more information. 

Woodland design

In 2024, we provided opportunities for people to share their views on our woodland design via a pop up event, early engagement survey and our main public consultation. Our public consultation was open from 2 September to 7 October 2024. View the results from the public consultation.

We are continuing to work with local communities and neighbours to bring positive social impact to the area. We continue to welcome comments and feedback. 

Feel free to study the resources below which include the draft woodland design, reports and maps. 

Spring 2024 

  • Surveyed and analysed the site.

Summer 2024 

  • Drafted the woodland design taking into account social, silvicultural and conservation aims.
  • Early community engagement survey and pop-up event at Loch Turret car park.
  • We received 36 responses to the early engagement survey. View the word cloud, highlighting key themes.

Autumn 2024 

  • Public consultation with the local community and other statutory stakeholders on a draft woodland creation proposal, between 2 September and 7 October 2024.
  • Public consultation event in Crieff on 5 September.
  • We received 84 responses to the consultation survey. View the consultation summary.

Winter 2024 

  • Analyse feedback provided through the public consultation.
  • Update the woodland creation proposal following the consultation with communities and stakeholders.
  • Prepare our application to Scottish Forestry.

Summer 2025

  • Seek approval from Scottish Forestry.

Autumn 2025

  • Submitted application to Scottish Forestry and application put on the public register for 28 days.
  • Woodland creation proposal is formally approved by Scottish Forestry.
  • Following approval, the final plan and next steps will be shared with communities.

Winter 2025/2026

  • Operations start on site, including ground preparation and deer fencing.
  • Tree planting on site begins.

 

Our neighbours

The Kith Trust own the land to the East of the University’s site, and we will work together to manage the land in a way that benefits nature and local people, positively contributing to the wider area. 

Get in touch 

To contact us, please email us using our contact details below. Please state that you wish to speak with the Forest and Peatland team in your message.

General enquiries

Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Contact details

Address

Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability
The Boilerhouse
High School Yards
Edinburgh
EH1 1LT

Community Ranger

Forest and Peatland Team

Contact details

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