Ochil Trail Association

📣 Dig day on Menstrie Heritage Trail

Sunday the 6th of September 10:00-14:00

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/GHS4q8A1KGLsDCWz7

The trail we’ll be working on is well used and loved by mountain bikers, hill runners and walkers alike so you will be earning many karma points!

Details:

There will be a range of jobs, from light vegetation management to getting stuck in with mattocks, something for everyone!

Meeting on foot or bike at the bottom of the zig zag path on Ochil Road for 0945. If you’re coming by car please park at the Dumyat Centre car park.

Everyone is welcome (including under 18s and trail dogs under the supervision of a responsible adult).

If you plan on attending it please sign up using this form so that we can ensure that we stay within the ratios of dig leaders to volunteers that we need to stick to:

https://forms.gle/GHS4q8A1KGLsDCWz7

OTA, Volunteer Details Basic information required from Volunteers. Under 18s must be accompanied.

Heads up: Forestry operations will be taking place along the Glen Road between Bridge of Allan and Dunblane from the 10th of September until the end of the year. Access along the Glen Road will be maintained but it may be that banksmen ask people to wait at times so there could be delays; also some of the width of the path may be out of bounds.

Forest Management Update:

Upcoming Thinning Works at Dollar 🌲🪓

Forestry work is scheduled to begin at Dollar starting 24th August.

Here is what you need to know:

• Location: The primary work zone is the section of thick forest around the very dark DH Mid section of forest

• The Plan: Forestry teams are undertaking a selective thinning process to remove roughly 20% of the trees in this block. We've been working closely with a very supportive land manager who understands our trails. They are aiming to take a bit more than 20% along the immediate trail corridor to open up the canopy and bring some much-needed light in!

• Safety & Trail Access: Please strictly obey all safety signage and banksmen instructions while work is underway. Diverting or stopping when asked keeps everyone safe and preserves our great relationship with the land manager.

We'll share updates on trail closures or reopenings as work progresses.

One of our own and A teamer for Trash Free Ochils

Nice one Laurence Ward 🙌

The William Wallace Running Festival is back again this year!

In support of the William Wallace Running Festival, we are seeking 10 or more volunteers to assist with marshalling points along the ultra distance routes. In the North Third section of the route and also the Pendreich, Jerrah and Mestrie sections.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 10th. The specific timings are yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated that the event will run between 0630hrs and 1430hrs, and any amount of time you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

While a valid First Aid certificate would be beneficial, it is not a requirement. A separate, independent First Aid provider will be present, offering both mobile and static coverage at strategic locations throughout the event.

We ask that volunteers be comfortable spending an extended period of time outdoors, given the time of year.

It would also be helpful if volunteers have some familiarity with the local area and are able to understand the locations of their marshalling points in relation to the route. Full briefings will be provided.

If you are interested, available, and enthusiastic about participating, kindly respond to [email protected] or send us a message.

Even if you can only spare a few hours, your assistance would be invaluable.

This is a wonderful opportunity to support a local event and promote both the local area and the Ochil Trail Asscociation.

Thank you!

After all the amazing dry weather and then the inevitable return to normal service of muddy wet conditions. Dont forget to clean your bikes, clothes, shoes and kit.

The spread of diseases is real! And can not only have significant impacts of trees, flora, fauna and the environment but also impact trails, and riding areas.

This link is useful

https://forestryandland.gov.scot/what-we-do/taking-climate-action/forest-resilience/keep-it-clean-protect-our-forests

A stunning eveing for some rock armouring.

Its a thankless task....

Vegitation management is in full swing all over the place. From Dollar to N3, Menstrie and Uni Woods.

Big thanks and appreciation to the individuals heading out and whacking back that bracken, improving sightlines and riding experience!

Some more work on Achilies from buckethead too!

Friday night sesh up high at Dollar.

Widening and armouring the trail tread and sorting some drainage.