Bees Trees & the Environment

Environment

From the launch of Dovetail Scotland in May 2000 we set out an environmental statement which we stand by to this day. Put simply we made the decision to put back more than we take during our working career and respect and wherever possible positively contribute to the natural environment around us.

Off-Grid Living & Working

We have been living and working completely off grid now since June 2016. Our electricity is supplied by a small wind turbine and 5Kw of solar panels, with a backup diesel generator which all charge our battery bank. Currently we need to use the generator when working the main workshop tools, however we recently commissioned a report from ‘Resource Efficient Scotland’ to look at ways for Dovetail to become completely fossil fuel free as soon as reasonably possible

Sustainable Woodland

In March 2016, with the help of a Scottish Forestry Commission grant, funded by the EU, we planted a 23,525 mixed hardwoods. These were planted within a 35 care site adjacent to our yard which is now fully deer and rabbit proofed. The site also includes an original ancient Oak and hazel woodland which was technically classified as a dying woodland, prior to the fence being erected. After five years without sheep grazing any young shoots, this old woodland is finally showing very positive signs of natural regeneration. We now manage the woodland area within which we have created and maintain cut grass paths, for easy access for pruning, maintenance and simply to enjoy the woodland as it grows around us.

Wildflower Meadow

More than 90% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have now disappeared, lost to urbanisation and modern intensive farming methods. These wildflower meadows were havens to bees, butterflies and many other insects, which in turn supported small birds and mammals. The plight of many of these creatures are now well documented, of which the bees are probably the best known. The entrance to our yard and workshop is driven through a three acre field which until recently was grazed by sheep. In the Spring of 2021, with the help of friends, family and a few like minded supporters, we planted the three acres with an 18 wild flower and 7 grass mix. Although it will take four years to fully establish itself, by August we had a good indication of what we can expect. The picture at the top of the page is the field in question. From next year it is expected to bloom from May to the end of September, producing approximately 1Kg of nectar per acre per day, going a long way to feeding our bees and other pollinators. This in turn will help improve the biodiversity of the whole Fintry area, well beyond our own boundaries.

Apiary

Early 2019 saw the introduction of our first colony of honey bees to help with pollination of our woodland and orchard. This has grown to 14 strong hives by the end of Autumn 2023. The wild flower and tree honey is available for sale in our showroom, the local sports club in Fintry and the Balfron & Killearn pharmacy’s. The money we make from the honey will be used over the coming years to expand the Apiary to around 25 colonies.

Environmental Statement