Description:
Tree planting began in March 2010. 1,500 varied species were planted into a half acre of rough ground. Several varieties of willow were planted around the perimeter to provide a wind break for other less hardy trees. There was once a house on this site which is long gone but some of the ground around it remains very stony which has hampered planting in those areas. We used a pick to assist planting here; not everything survived so we have planted annually to fill in any gaps. Half an acre adjacent to the trees is annually sown with bird seed mix. Seeds included kale, mustard, crimson clover, phacelia, rape, buckwheat, borage, corn marigolds, oats and barley to feed the wild birds. We have added various bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses and bluebells. We also planted pampas, New Zealand Flax, gunnera and ferns.
Directions: Follow the A961 past the village of St Margaret's Hope then take the first signed road for Herston (B9042). Follow this road past Kirkhouse Mill and Farm then turn right over the brig. Follow this road until you come to a forked junction. Take the left hand branch up the hill (not the Herston turn off) and Hools is second left on this road (signposted at the end of Farm Road). Parking will be available in the field below the house.
Other details: Self catering: www.westshaird.co.uk
