
Eccentric art and ancient trees – a grand day out in Scotland!
Jupiter Artland was the backdrop on 8th September for our third volunteer gathering in Scotland this year. The setting was a stunning stately home, owned by a family who have filled their beautiful grounds with public artworks.

Our wonderful group at Jupiter – thanks go to them for such great company and shared knowledge!
Fourteen volunteers joined members of staff for talks, lunch, and an ancient tree recording session, topped off with a guided walk from Jupiter staff to see the artworks. The main objectives of the day were for volunteers to network, to catch up on Trust news and for us to provide an enjoyable day as a thank you to our fantastic volunteers in Scotland!
There was also a session first thing in the morning, before the main event, run by Sarah Locker, for volunteers from our Talking Trees (speakers) project. Three of our volunteer speakers were given an update on our latest version of the talk and able to ask questions and share with the others how they are getting on with their role.
After that, in the main meeting, volunteers heard from me about our work and volunteering at Woodland Trust Scotland. Then Iain Moss, an Outreach Advisor based in our Perth office, shared beautiful photos and information about his team’s woodland creation work. Sarah Locker, Communities and Engagement Manager for the whole of the UK, gave updates about our work with Community Woodlands, the Charter for Woods and Trees, and about our volunteer speaker programme.
After a delicious lunch, provided by the venue, with soup, sandwiches and chocolate brownies to die for, we headed out to have a go at recording some ancient trees for the Ancient Tree Inventory. There were a few beautiful old oaks, limes and horse chestnuts in a private part of the garden that we were given special permission to record in.
The tour of the artworks was fun! From weeping girls to a shoe made out of saucepans, there were plenty of eccentric surprises!
Matilda Scharsach
Volunteering Development Officer, Scotland
Jillian Donnachie
Looks like great fun. Love the metallic shoe. Hope you recorded lots of veteran trees for the ancient tree inventory?
Matilda Scharsach
Hello Jill. It was, indeed, lots of fun! There weren’t many old trees – most in the woods were relatively young sycamore. The old trees were in front of the house and we obtained special permission to record there. We recorded about 6 trees but not all as time didn’t allow, but it’s a great excuse for a return visit one day!
Hannah Humphreys
Thank you for a fab day! It’s safe to say we all had an amazing time – very much looking forward to Glen Finglas!
Matilda Scharsach
So chuffed you enjoyed it Hannah! I didn’t get a chance to chat to you much…hopefully will do more at Glen Finglas! I’m really pleased you’re coming to that too! See you there!