Dear Lairds & Ladies,
The photo of trees above, and more specifically sessile oaks in temperate rainforest, is a lovely image of the type of woodland we are going to create around the restored castle – an arboreal mantle if you like: this newsletter we are offering you a different kind of mantle as well as the opportunity to participate in the planting of this gorgeous forest.
First the mantle that everyone can wear: our Ruradh in the Dunans Rising Tartan is on pre-order exclusively for subscribers of the newsletter. There are limited numbers and they will be sent out in October, so hurry to get yours reserved for the holiday season for wearing or gifting!
Second, in relation to the planting of trees, we are sad to announce that we have had to alter our AIP volunteer programme for September. Why? Because the kerfuffle at the bridge limps on and our legal advisors have recommended we do not work on the bridge while matters are still unresolved. We have therefore decided to err on the side of caution and retool the jammers experience with a woodland and castle policies extravaganza of tree-planting, rhodie-clearance, path-making, footbridge-building, water-colour-painting jamming! It also means we are now only offering one week – the third week of September – for the experience, and places are limited. So, if you fancy flexing your green fingers at Dunans, then do apply yourself to the links below.
As you’d expect by now, I will be offering a detailed account of what has happened and why, but I’d like to be able to do so once the entire farrago has been resolved …
Now aside from encouraging you to check out our limited stock of handbags which are available right now I should remind you that you’ll find links to stays at Dunans as well as the library and the pre-orders. Also, you’ll find a short piece about a friend who offers travel consultancy for visitors to Scotland – I recommend him to you all wholeheartedly.
The New Woodland September Session
We are so pleased to get a volunteer session in the woodland – there is SO much to do!
As the AIP page says:
“Dunans recently bought back 250 acres of the ancient Fletcher estate adjoining the castle and has started the process of creating a native woodland. Reintroducing native species will increase biodiversity and contribute to ecological sustainability.
“Walk the woodland with Charles Dixon Spain and learn how this effort combines the fight against climate change with development of sustainable tourism. The commercial crop of Sitka spruce planted on the hillside 30 years ago has been harvested. The land is now ready for planting of native woodland species, primarily oak and birch. This is not just a woodland, but also the creation of a new temperate rainforest, essential to the ecology of the area – and the world. It is an internationally important environment that only exists in a few places on earth.
“Numerous deep ravines that channel rain water are filled with both native ferns and rhododendron – an invasive species brought by Victorian landscapers. All the rhododendron needs to be removed, as they will take over and mask the true story of the woodland.
“Jammers will take on various jobs in support of the woodland creation.
• Plant oak and birch saplings
• Low impact removal of invasive rhododendron
• Clear paths around the historic Telford bridge
• Recover historic Telford road
• Create a new meditation garden
“As part of this effort, the woodland will become a carbon off-set project securing over 20,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere over the next century. Funds generated from the sale of this tonnage will secure the next phase of restoration of the castle itself, creating a unique multiplier, enriching both Scotland’s built heritage and its environment.
Preserving flora such as the twayblade – a rare green orchid – or the ravine of Chaol Ghleann are all parts of the ongoing work in the grounds, as well as planting along fence lines, and clearing rashes and bracken from the bluebell meadow.
Travel Consultant Recommendation for trips to Scotland: David Wright
At Travel Counsellors, we provide an unrivalled level of personal care and attention for customers when creating bespoke travel experiences. We offer 24/7 support and most of the time I would be your direct point of contact rather than waiting in a queue for a call centre. We are rated 5 stars on Trustpilot and the feedback we receive is testament to the service we offer. Our travel trust financially protects every part of every trip, whether it be the whole holiday, a flight, hotel stay, car hire or even airport parking. It’s completely robust meaning no matter what happens, your money is safe. We can take care of all your travel needs while in Scotland and the rest of Europe – accommodation, car hire, tours and attractions, ferries and rail travel. Contact David for a no obligation chat.
In the meantime, if you have any queries about your title, the restoration or how to find us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via help@scottishlaird.com
Warmest regards as ever,
Charles & Sadie