case studies

Community Woodland, Kemnay Aberdeenshire

This unique site is one of the most creative in Greenbelt's portfolio. Formally opened by HRH the Duke of Kent in 2006 the site layout was designed on a collaborated basis  by three artists, John Maine RA, Brad Goldberg and Glen Onwin RSA. Place of Origin grew out of an idea to celebrate 150 years of Kemnay granite in Aberdeen and this  is represented by a number of different forms of concentric rings over a hillside that culminate in a cairn like structure which is built in the image of a local hill.

The scheme was partially funded through a Forestry Commission community woodland grant and the quarry owners  John Fyfe Ltd, it was planted by Greenbelt in 2001-2002, with a final phase of gap planting this year. The land is now managed by Greenbelt under a long Lease from Aberdeenshire Council.

A great deal of thought went into the type and location of the various tree species that have been planted to form the woodland. On the lower ground are Scots Pine, Larch and native broadleaves, then as you gather height Oak and Birch, and finally a Scots Pine and Larch  woodland dominates. Combined, the woodland mix represents a mini Scotland reflecting the diversity of woodlands found in both the lowlands and the highlands.

As well as woodland, the lower section of the site encompasses wetland which encourages a wide variety of fauna. Together, these provide a rich and diverse rural environment. Paths throughout the woodland ergononomically hug the landscape in a fashion that allows walkers to progress seamlessly from one concentric ring to the other as they make their way to the summit dominated by the cairn. Access to these walkways has been carefully planned with car parking be provided at key start and end points. 

This unique community woodland provides an extremely well used recreational area for both local residents and visitors from further afield.