Improving access and the environment in the Cabrach

The funded project is a joint initiative being delivered by the Cabrach Community Association (CCA) and the Cabrach Trust, who are working in partnership to create new footpaths and improve the environment by planting trees and wildflowers. The project is part of their overall plans to regenerate the Cabrach area. The key element is the redevelopment of Inverharroch Farm steadings into a Historic Distillery and the Cabrach Heritage Centre.   

The Trust identified an opportunity to add to its regeneration plans by planting woodland along the River Deveron, creating ‘all abilities’ walking trails, a wildflower meadow and a wildlife pond. The project is intended to provide the community and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Cabrach and link with its wider cultural heritage, thereby adding to the visitor experience. And the new paths will link with the wider path network managed by EDF Renewables Dorenell Ranger Service and other local path networks.  

The Cabrach is rich in landscape and long-distance trails but there are no formal (i.e. surfaced and waymarked) walks or woodland trails along the river, in particular any which cater for those with accessibility needs. The project will create 1.7km of new ‘all ability’ pathways, plus two smaller sections of slightly more challenging paths, enabling those with wheelchairs or pushchairs, or who are simply less able, to enjoy the walks. It will also create woodland and a pond. 

The project was developed following consultations with Forestry and Land Scotland, The Woodland Trust, Deveron River Trust and EDF Rangers, as well as drawing from an Outdoor Access & Recreation Woodland Feasibility Study undertaken for the Cabrach Trust. It will be managed by the Cabrach Trust’s team in consultation and collaboration with the CCA and the partners mentioned above. 

The project was awarded £60,000 from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund with match funding secured from the Forestry Grant Scheme (Scottish Government scheme), The Woodland Trust and The Gordon and Ena Baxter Fund. Work is due to begin in June 2021 and when complete will see 2km of new footpaths; 10 interpretation panels; 3 benches; 4 bins; 1000m2 wildflower meadow; 3.28 hectares of trees and hedges in a 15m wide strip along sections of the river.  

The project relates particularly to the fund theme of Environment and Heritage and the related priority of walking networks, as well as the priorities of recreational facilities and tourist attractions - all of which will benefit the Cabrach community and its visitors.