Woodhead and Windyhills Woodlands
Community Purchase and Members

Following a prolonged negotiation period, in early 2003 the unique geological Site Of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), woodlands and wildlife habitat at Woodhead and Windyhills was purchased, on behalf of the local community, by the Woodhead & Windyhills Trust.  This was  achieved with financial assistance from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Scottish Land Fund, Aberdeenshire Council, Shell UK Exploration and Production, Exxon/Mobil and contributions from the local population. 

The designtion as a Site of Special Scientific Interest was awarded  due to the geological importance of the unique underlying gravels within the location.  However, in addition to this, the woodland and heath environment, coupled with the range of wildlife which can be found within the area, give the opportunity to enjoy a number of linked walks which can vary from 20 minutes to 1.5 to 2 hours.  Convenient access can be obtained from the car park at the Community Centre in Woodhead some 3 kilometres east of Fyvie on the B9005.

In addition to the finance which enabled the purchase, the efforts of the wide range of volunteers and Aberdeenshire Council Officers who contributed time, effort and expertise in bringing the project from initial conception to final fruition also deserves recognition.  The evident desire, drive and enthusiasm displayed by the community at the start was certainly a significant element in persuading the men with the money to open their purse strings.

The Work Goes On

Since taking ownership of the site, the Trust has not been idle, access between the woodlands and the Woodhead Community Centre Car Park has been improved.  Funding to enable that work was provided by BP/Exon Mobil.

A large amount of waste material and scrap which had been dumped on the site over many years has now been removed. 

Over the years, local individuals using the woodlands for recreation had created many paths.  Some of these passed through, or close to, sensitive areas within the woodlands.  The Trust have consulted local residents and users, then looked at all the options and, from that, identified a comprehensive network of paths which will let users see all aspects of the woodland, heath and geological elements within the site while avoiding the most sensitive parts.  Boardwalks are being built where mud and water build up could present problems.   Interpretation boards showing the path routes and giving an indication of points of interest have been created, the first of these will be located at the Community Centre Car park.

Further Information

Woodhead and Windyhills Community Trust Ltd. is a voluntary body representing the interests of the local community.  Members are drawn from the local area (approximately the area covered by Fyvie Community Council) who may be assisted, as and when required, by ex officio members with specialist skills.  Should further information be needed, please contact a current Committee Member.

Office Bearers 2010-11 

Chairman - Ian Gray: Secretary - Brian Martin: Treasurer - Mark England

Current Directors: Brian Cleaver, Susan Bigg, George Clail,  Ian Gray, Flick Ibbotson,  Jean Pearson, Ian Ross,  Leon and Isobel Smith, Audrey Clarke, Kate Raffan, Will Thomson, Keith Hammerton, Mark England, Allistair Gillies, Robert Eldridge, Lyn Terry-Short, Helen Taylor, Brian Martin and Stuart Watts.

Past Directors: Sharon Scapens: George Norrie, Hilary Fleming, John Freeman, Marie Mackenzie, Chris Pearson, Myra Ibbotson, Ann Robertson, Ann Stratton, Isabella and Sheila Whyte, Peter Scott, Muriel Nelson.

First Chairman  Leon Smith 2001 -2004. Past Chairpersons; Keith Hammerton 2 years Oct. 2004 -2006: Helen Taylor  2006-2008: Brian Cleaver 2008-2010.