EXCITING DEVELOPMENT IN TEMPLETON WOODS (22/08/06)

Templeton Woods is a fantastic example of a "green oasis minutes away from the centre of town", according to Scottish Forestry Minister, Rhona Brankin, who visited the site today, (Tuesday 22 August), to launch the completition of the first phase of work that has helped turn the woods into a recreational haven.

The first phase of the woodland makeover includes enouraging greater use of the woods by schools and activity groups by creating a new carpark which provides safe access to the site, including dedicated parking for buses. Paths will be resurfaced and up-graded to offer an increased range of walking options including an all abilities trail. Visitors will be welcomed to Templeton through new site signage, information and interpretation. A series of fun summer events for children are also being held in the forest (see notes to eds for more info)

Work completed in the woodland was made possible by a cash boost of £110,000 from Forestry Commission Scotland's Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative. This is part of a wider £500,000 programme being spent on Dundee's woods through WIAT over the next few years.

Visiting Templeton Woods today, Scottish Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin, said:

"It is exciting to see the results of the WIAT initiative, which aims to improve the lives of people living in urban areas by creating more recreation opportunities for people living near towns and in cities.

"Work has helped transform this neglected wood into an attractive recreational forest, that can be used as a venue for outdoor exercise which will help benefits the health of Dundee residents.

"The long term benefits of having an attractive green oasis which is just minutes away from the town, will help make Dundee a healthier, safer and more attractive environment for people to live in.

" One innovative development is the creation of an arts trail, which has been constructed to showcase environmental arts within a forest setting and make outdoor art accessible to everyone regardless of age or ability. Local children have been involved in the project, helping design ceramic tiles, woodland animal sculptures and wood carvings. Visitors may stumble upon unusual constructions on the trail such as a giant wooden xylophone, totem poles and wooden animal sculptures.

Art classes in the forest will form part of a comprehensive programme of activities co-ordinated by Dundee City Council Ranger Service. Links are being developed through urban and countryside rangers with surrounding communities with the aim finding out what facilities local people want within the woods and to involve the community in providing these.

Cllr Charles Farquhar, Convenor of Leisure and Arts Services for Dundee City Council said:

"We are thrilled to see new life being breathed back into the woods at Templeton. In future Templeton will be regarded as a great asset for the people of Dundee who can enjoy woodland walks on the doorstep of the City. The City Council are grateful to Forestry Commission Scotland for providing the funding through WIAT to make this possible.

" Improvements will be ongoing over the next few years, and work will include: thinning trees to provide better views and benefit biodiversity by allowing more light into the woods and encouraging new growth of wildflowers, grasses, and attracting animals such as roe deer, red squirrels, buzzards, great spotted woodpeckers and treecreepers; new paths will be waymarked; forest schools will take place which aim to encourage kids to become involved in woodland activities and outdoor learning.

The practical works in the woods are being co-ordinated by Dundee Contract Services Forestry Team with assistance from the Dundee TWIG (Trees, Woods and Greenspace Partnership). There may be some minor diversions to routes to protect members of the public during hazardous forestry operations over this time.