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Copyright Doune Ponds

Doune ponds

management agreement, inclusive board membership

Doune ponds is a small-scale nature reserve owned by Moray Estates and managed by the Doune Community Woodland Group since 2014. There is a management agreement in place, alongside a management plan. The management agreement was renewed in October 2024.

Background

Doune Ponds is a 16-hectares nature reserve located on the site of an old sand and gravel quarry which is owned by Moray Estates and which used to be leased by Stirling Council. When the lease ended, the Council did not ask for a renewal because they would no longer get involved in management of land that they did not own. The Ponds became an inaccessible wilderness, and the estate approached Kilmadock Community Council to see if there was community interest in managing the land. Following a positive response, the Doune Community Woodland Group (DCWG) was created and Moray Estates and DCWG negotiated and signed a management agreement.

Governance

The Doune Community Woodland Group is a constituted community group with approximately 100 members. Seven members currently form the group’s Management Group (the Board). One permanent place on the Management Group is held by Moray Estates and two permanent places are held by the Community Council. Other members are elected at the AGM.

In 2014, a ten-year management agreement was put in place between the DCWG (the ‘Manager’) and Moray Estates (the ‘Owner’). The agreement gives DCWG the right to occupy and use the land at Doune Ponds in accordance with the Management Plan, which is drawn up between the DCWG and the landowner. The Plan was originally drafted in 2014, and progress was evaluated in an interim review in 2019. The interactions between the legal management agreement and the Plan allow for setting objectives and planning activities that are responsive to the changing needs of the land and community. The Plan provides objectives and actions for management, (progress on) maintenance tasks and resources including a funding strategy.  The management agreement was renewed in October 2024 and the management plan is under review.

The partnership approach between the landowner and community, as reflected in the make-up of the DCWG, the management agreement and the co-designed management plan, allows for the sharing of investments, liabilities, skills and ideas. The DCWG does not pay a fee, but, through grant funding and volunteering efforts, it makes significant investments in the project with shortfalls sometimes covered by the landlord.

“When I started working for Moray Estates, the management of Doune Ponds was one of the first projects I got stuck into. Working with the Doune Community Woodland Group was a great way for me to get to know the local community, where a common interest meant that progressed could be made very quickly. Thanks to the work of the amazing volunteers, who attend work parties every week, pretty much whatever the weather or whatever the task is in-hand, the Ponds have been transformed into a wonderful local resource to allow the local community to access nature right on their doorstep.” - Rory McLeod, Doune Estate Manager, Moray Estates.

Public and community benefits

Volunteers at Doune Ponds meet once, sometimes twice, a week. Volunteering efforts have not only led to positive social interactions but have led to gradual restoration of the site with significant improvements for wildlife and enhanced public access. Wider community outreach is achieved through volunteering days and seasonal activities.

"With accessible paths to enjoy a walk in the woods or a seat in the sun, it's my local go to escape. A welcoming woodland space where all the family can enjoy nature together. Much improved access for wheelchair users, opening up nature to all." – Linda Greig

Sources:

  • Interview Rory Mcleod, Doune Estate Manager
  • Doune Ponds Management Agreement Pdf (old – do not have new doc and no permission to share publicly has been sought)
  • Doune Ponds Management Plan Pdf (old – do not have new doc and no permission to share publicly has been sought)