Portmoak Community Woodland

Christmas:greener than green

Once again the idea of saving a bog by getting a Christmas tree proved popular and on Sunday December 15th more than 100 people came to Portmoak Moss to choose a spruce.

We don't want thirsty trees on the central part of the Moss because they dry out the peat and prevent sphagnum moss from growing.  In time, the sphagnum will rot down and turn into more peat, putting this rare habitat on a sustainable footing. 

A big thank you to everyone who joined us.  The weather was good and there was plenty of home baking and mulled juice to keep peoples' spirits up as they agonised over which tree to take home. Children got free ones but we asked for donations for the bigger trees and were very to pleased raise over £1,000 - money which will go back into future events in the community woodlands, as well as to some of our equipment.

Top marks to the cyclist who strapped a big tree to his bike and pedalled it home. Greener than green!

Top marks, also, to the volunteers who helped Portmoak Community Woodland Group cut down more than 60 trees on the Saturday, to make it easier for our visitors to see what was what. In the past we have asked everyone to walk into the bog to find a tree but conditions really are getting too wet and difficult. 

The Christmas tree event marked the end to another successful year which has seen new members join our group and new volunteers help to pull out birch and pine saplings;  a spring in which the whole of Portmoak Primary School built and installed nest boxes in Kilmagad Wood and an autumn when we had a lovely apple day, combined with a guided fungal walk. There have been too many events to mention them all and there are lots more to come. We look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Green work outs: growing appeal.

We have had two birch pulling events in Portmoak Moss this autumn and their appeal seems to be growing.  The first one attracted a record attendance of 27 people, with the Lothians Conservation Volunteers and the Bog Squad joining us for the day.  It's very hard work - playing tug o' war with birch saplings - but people really like the excercise. With the help of tree-poppers, we were able to pull out some quite big trees and piles of small ones, which means the sphagnum moss will have a chance to grow. Sphagnum is, of course, the building block of our raised peat bog.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency once again chose us for a corporate volunteering day and we had a cheery team to work with and more banter and homemade cake to keep everyone's spirits up. We are so grateful for everyone's help, as we continue to restore the peat bog. This work ticks so many boxes - from helping nature to looking after our own minds and bodies.  It is fantastic that after all the hard graft people leave with big grins on their faces. 

Just in case you're wondering; don't worry, we made sure that everyone left the conifers alone, so that we'll have enough for our community Xmas tree day on Sunday 15th December.  This year it’s taking place from 11.30am-2.30pm beside the main path in Portmoak Moss, Scotlandwell. It’s a free event but we do invite cash or card donations. 

We’ll also provide home baking and mulled juice to put everyone in the mood for Christmas.