Two public meetings are to be held to decide the future management of Olav’s Wood.
The South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust (SRBDT) has the opportunity ahead to acquire the iconic Olav’s Wood in South Ronaldsay on behalf of the community and is organising two community consultation events in Burray and South Ronaldsay to assess the community’s feelings about the issue.
The community consultation events are at:
- Burray Community Hall: 6 October 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- The Cromarty Hall : 6 October 8:00pm – 9pm.
Steve Sankey, Lead Director, Assets said:
“We’re delighted to have been given this opportunity by the current landowners.
“The woodland was planted by Stephen and Helen Manson, and their collaborator Olav Dennison many decades ago, and is a much-loved site in South Ronaldsay for locals and visitors alike.
“I remember strolling through the young wood nearly 25 years ago, when the trees were barely waist height – it’s quite extraordinary what the place looks and feels like now.
“We know that this is a place cherished by locals, but we are anxious to test the community feeling about whether the SRBDT should take the plunge and acquire the site, after a generous offer from the current landowners.”
The woodland is approx. 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares) in area and runs down a hillside towards Windwick, alongside the attractive Oback Burn in South Ronaldsay.
The first plantings in Olav’s Wood began in the 1970s, initiated by Helen and Stephen Manson, owners of East Massetter. Olav Dennison was asked to help plant a woodland beside Oback Burn and went south approximately twice a year and would collect a variety of saplings, which were then transplanted into the burgeoning woodland.
There are over 70 species of trees in the wood, largely due to Olav’s philosophy of “stick it in the ground and see if it works.” David and Anne Rydeheard currently care for the wood, with help from volunteers.
Anne Rydeheard, one of the current owners, said
“We are having to sell the family home following the recent passing of my father, and we thought that he would wish the woodland to develop as a community asset so that future generations can continue to enjoy his legacy.
“We’re delighted that the Development Trust is interested in taking it forward as a community woodland, and we are pleased to be able to offer this gift to the community in memory of our family.”
Erin Vance, the Community Development Officer for the Trust added:
“We’ve spent the last few months liaising with the family and the neighbouring farmers and landowners seeking their views about a possible change in ownership and assessing the land management options and risks associated with this exciting opportunity. The Board is unanimous in recommending acquisition to our local communities but, as with the recent Tomb of the Eagles acquisition, we would like to be sure that we have community support.”
Acquisition and management proposals will be outlined at these meetings, and any volunteers from the community will be encouraged to help out with the woodland management should the acquisition be approved. An online survey will also be made available for those unable to attend.
