Our Proposals for Holmehill
Social development
Creating an accessible community woodland : We plan to establish accessible routes on the hill, to create a sensory garden, establish site-appropriate signage/interpretation boards and site-appropriate benches. Tasks will include: rubbish clearance; repair, renewal and upgrading of paths, walls, fences and field drains. Additionally, appropriate tree surgery and new planting will take place to minimise hazards and to rejuvenate the woodland.
A place of play, adventure and education : Green spaces such as Holmehill provide ideal natural, wild, unstructured places that are important for children. The adjacent St Mary’s Primary School has limited playground facilities, consisting almost entirely of tarmac. We intend to work with local nurseries and schools to prepare environmental studies packs and programmes linked to the national curriculum. In addition, we propose to connect the adjacent Braeport Community Centre with the hill’s western meadow area to create a sensory garden and children’s garden.
Economic development
History and spirituality : There are great opportunities for Holmehill to contribute to Dunblane’s development in terms of tourism and visitor experiences. Our proposals are to link Holmehill to the nearby Dunblane Museum (which has just secured considerable funding for redevelopment and expansion) as well as to re-establish the link between St. Blane and Holmehill by marking a permanent ‘pilgrimage’ route. Local church leaders have recently approached our group with specific proposals for elements of this route.
In addition, we propose to expand the archaeological research on the site and make the findings available for tourists and visitors through appropriate displays on the hill and in neighbouring public buildings. These proposals will enhance the importance of Dunblane as a key historical and ecclesiastical site, and provide economic benefit to local businesses.
A wood that works : We will seek to use the land for woodland management training programmes and as a source of wood for local craft workers. Building on the remarkable success of the new Dunblane Allotments, active consideration will also be given to a community orchard development and mushroom production. The land has great potential to support the Scottish Churches House programme of weekend workshops on environmental and arts themes, and International Volunteer work camps.
Environmental development
Community environmental activity : Lying adjacent to the Braeport Community Centre, the meadow area will form an ideal venue for community composting and raising of plants for the townscaping work of the Dunblane Development Trust.
Enhancing biodiversity : We propose to plant additional native trees, following a tree survey. We intend to promote biodiversity by encouraging native wild flower growth throughout the woodland, and establishing mixed hedging to attract additional wildlife. We propose to promote further biodiversity by providing nesting boxes designed for particular species such as barn owls.
