The Ochils Landscape Partnership (in Clackmannanshire, Scotland) aims to protect and enhance the built, cultural and natural heritage of the Ochil Hills and nearby Hillfoots villages. It provides opportunities for local people and visitors to learn about the area's rich heritage and participate in its protection and development, at events, through interpretation (on-site and on-line), and through
volunteering. The 22 projects are focused around the four key themes of the project's lead funder, the Heritage Lottery Fund:
1. Conservation and/or restoration of the built and natural features that create the historic landscape character
2. Increase access to and learning about the landscape area and its heritage
4. Increase training opportunities in local heritage skills. The 22 projects:
YOUR WEE BIT HILL AND GLEN:
The Hillfoots Way
A new walking route along the foot of the Ochils from Logie Old Kirk to Muckhart. Bonnie Blairlogie
Improvements to the car park and native species planting. Dumyat Paths
Improvements to the paths leading towards the summit of Dumyat. Menstrie Glen
Path improvements, a viewing platform, repairs to the walls and a bridge. Alva Glen
Promotion of biodiversity, installation of lighting, creation of a ‘sensory’ garden and provision of artwork in the lower glen. Ochils Woodland Park
Improvements to the car park, installation of a boardwalk, and enhancement of biodiversity. Tillicoultry Glen
Improvements to access, scrub clearance and restoration of the fountain. Dollar Glen
Bracken removal and an archaeological survey on the site above Castle Campbell. Restoration of Mill Green
Clearance of brambles, broom, gorse and small trees to improve access to Dollar Burn, restoring the recreational space of Mill Green. Dollar Burn Education
Installation of a dipping platform and production of educational materials. Dollar Burn Water Race
Restoration / conservation of the stepped water race, making provision for the inclusion of a fish pass. Muckhart Nature Park
Planting of native species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers to enhance the habitat; creation of a wetland area and a waymarked trail. Control of Bracken
Systematic control of bracken in areas along the south face of the Ochils. BY THE BANKS OF THE DEVON
Devon Trail
A waymarked route along the River Devon from Glenfoot to Vicar's Bridge. Reinstatement of Natural Wetlands
Re-instatement of wetlands to benefit biodiversity and contribute towards flood alleviation. Riverbank Stabilisation
Stabilisation of the banks of the Devon by removing a gravel bar and tree debris, constructing a berm and reprofiling (willow spiling). Control of Alien Species
Systematic control of invasive non-native plant and animal species along the River Devon. THE HILLS OF TIME
Ochils Orientation
Training for volunteers in oral history and palaeography (historic handwriting). Creation of materials (including podcasts) for the website. Ochils Festival
This will take place in June each year and will provide a programme of fun events, walks and discovery sessions. Historic Kirkyards
Conservation of the historic kirkyards, including biodiversity and data-recording surveys. Mining and Minerals
Promotion of the industrial heritage of the Ochils area. The entrance to the silver mines in Alva will be made safe so that guided walks can be undertaken to allow people to learn about geological and mining features. Alva Ice House
Access improvements and conservation of the structure. A young people's archaeology project, plus lectures and guided walks. The partnership
The Ochils Landscape Partnership is made up of twenty partner organisations:
- Councils: Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council
- Educational: University of Stirling, Forth Valley College
- Community councils: Clackmannanshire Joint Community Council Forum, and community councils from Logie, Menstrie, Alva, Tillicoultry, Dollar and Muckhart
- Scottish Land and Estates representing local land owners
- Various community groups and organisations: Alva Glen Heritage Trust, Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Partnership, Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, Devon Angling Association, Discover Clackmannanshire, Dollar Museum, Friends of the Ochils, Muckhart Nature Park
The funding
The total cost of delivering all projects in the scheme is £2.26 million. The Heritage Lottery Fund and EDF Energy Community Recreation Fund are the two main funders. Other current funders include Clackmannanshire Council, Clackmannanshire & Stirling Environment Trust and Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust.The University of Stirling and the National Trust for Scotland are providing in-kind funding for specific projects. Other funding is still being sourced.
