The Woodland Group of Aird Community Trust manages Upper Reelig Community Wood in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland. We have done this since 2000. We aim to increase biodiversity, recreational access and educational activities within the wood while being economically and environmentally sustainable.
Walks around Reelig
There are a number of possibilities to explore the woods through a network of formal and informal paths. The main paths are marked on this map which also shows the community log building and the wooden xylophone.
Directions to Reelig Glen and the walks can be found on the Forestry and Land Scotland website.
Work programme
We have a regular work programme of activities for volunteers over the winter months and new volunteers are always welcome. Activities include thinning trees, maintaining paths, planting trees, making firewood and charcoal and creating wooden structures within the wood. Contact us at woodland@airdcommunity.com, for more information.
We meet at the log cabin in the upper Reelig Wood at 10am on (usually) alternate Saturdays over the winter and spring months. Equipment and training is provided.
Volunteer work dates
Due to the current COVID pandemic volunteers are only able to meet in small groups. These are organised through the woodland group co-ordinator Jim Murray, contact woodland@airdcommunity.com
Wooden xylophone
If you explore the main path in the upper wood you’ll come across the wooden xylophone and just off the path. The xylophone and shelter was built by woodland group volunteers in 2015/16. All the timber comes from the wood and even the nails in shelter roof are reclaimed. At truly sustainable structure. Have fun making music in the wood!
Read about the building of the shelter
Hear how a professional musician plays the xylophone. Great stuff!
Balance Trail
In 2019 volunteers created a simple balance trail just off the path in the Douglas Fir plantation. Great for old and young alike to test their balance and stop for while to enjoy the wind in the trees. 
Himalayan Balsam
Members of the woodland group have been working hard to eradicate the invasive alien weed Himalayan Balsam from the fields and water courses around Reelig and Clunes. You can read about the project here.
Reelig Forest Design Plan
The group consulted with the community and agreed its objectives with Forestry Commission Scotland which are set out in the Forest Plan.
Some of our other work:
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Work starts on woodland building « Aird Community
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Minor roads around The Aird | Rambling on…
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Log Building Opening | Aird Community
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Wood carving workshop reveals hidden talents | Aird Community
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Dawn chorus at Reelig | Aird Community
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Woodland xylophone shelter | Aird Community