Recent
Projects

Over the last twenty years we have undertaken many projects on the Estate.  All projects follow our stated stewardship responsibilities which are:

1 A need to interpret and preserve our heritage
2 A need to support our local Community
3 A need to minimise the environmental impact of our activities
4 A need to protect and enhance our wildlife and natural landscape

In addition, we measure the success of our projects not just by looking at economic growth but by ensuring we maintain the correct balance between economic growth, environmental care and community well-being.

 

Recent Estate Projects

2024 Launch of new Sensory Trail with 27 activities to help users connect with the nature surrounding them.

2024 Installation of six interpretation panels along the Monks’ Trail helping visitors to understand the nature surrounding them and the threats it faces. Funding from South of Scotland Enterprise.

2024 Installation of a number of Owl Boxes to encourage more Barn Owls onto the Estate.

2024 Launch of new walk map for visitors detailing the walks and activities available on the Estate.

2023 Destination Tweed Designed Landscapes tree planting grant for 200 specimen trees.

2023 £1,000 tree planting grant from the South of Scotland tree planting scheme.

2023 New toilet facility added to the Woodland Classroom with funding from Tweed Forum and South of Scotland Enterprise.

2023 4 year Scottish Government funded Agri-Environmental Scheme including the creation of a wildflower meadow, hedge restocking, wildlife grass margins around arable fields and growing wild bird seed mixes to support wildlife over winter.

2022 £1,000 tree planting grant from the South of Scotland Tree planting scheme.

2022 Two new environmental wooden lodges built as self catering holiday accommodation with locally sourced timber cladding, solar panels and extra insulation.

2022 Woodland Classroom created with grant from Tweed Forum and South of Scotland Enterprise. Home to Melrose Scout Group and used by local schools and community groups.

2022 Interpretation Room created with grant from Tweed Forum and South of Scotland Enterprise. Facility to be used to enable visitors to the Estate to learn about and interpret the local landscape, wildlife and nature.

2021 £1,000 tree planting grant from the South of Scotland tree planting scheme.

2021 Environmental pond created to improve habitat for insects and birds.

2020 £1,000 tree planting grant from the Borders tree planting scheme.

2020 Over 2,000 trees planted to help improve the existing woodland areas and associated habitats by creating a mixed non commercial woodland.

2021 Decision made to switch all commercial woodlands into amenity woodland with a focus on habitat creation and a mix of different hard woods and soft woods. Focus on preserving our natural landscape.

2019 £1,000 tree planting grant from the Borders tree planting scheme

2019 Environmental Office space created and leased to Tweed Forum with funding from Scottish Borders Leader Programme. The office utilises solar panels, Tesla batteries, underfloor heating and an air source heat pump thereby ensuring it is off grid for parts of the year.

2019 Conversion of an unused summerhouse to luxury self catering holiday accommodation situated on a promontory overlooking the River Tweed.

2018 £1,000 tree planting grant from the Borders tree planting scheme.

2018 Switch in farming practices to focus on farming for nature with regenerative farming polices such as over winter stubble and a reduction in soil disturbance. Habitat Management Plan implemented.

2017 £1,000 tree planting grant from the Borders tree planting scheme.

2018 4 year Scottish Government funded Agri-Environmental Scheme including hedge restocking, wildlife grass margins around arable fields and growing wild bird seed mixes to support wildlife over winter.

2018 Conversion of two Estate cottages to luxury self catering accommodation.

2012 Restoration of a derelict listed building with Funding from the Scottish Rural Development Fund.

2012 Project with St Boswells Primary School to create five Interpretation Panels to explore the Christian heritage of the site including the Old Melrose Monastery and St Cuthbert. Funding from the Scottish Rural Development Fund.

2011 4 year Scottish Rural Development Fund environmental scheme including planting of hedgerows, creation of wildlife corridors and grass field margins, planting wild bird seed mixes and species rich grassland.

2009 Opening of Tearoom and creation of a one mile circular walk with benches for visitors and the local community.

2004 Redundant farm steading converted to a furniture studio with a grant from Scottish Borders Leader Programme.