Tree planting at Kames on the Isle of Bute - continuing the legacy of Lord Bannatyne

Whilst we are of course very proud of our beautifully renovated holiday cottages, Kames Estate on the Isle of Bute has so much more to offer our guests. The cottages are set in 20 acres of grounds including a forested area with numerous mature, statuesque trees. Many of these formed part of the original planting carried out during the 18th century development of Kames Castle under Sir William MacLeod Bannatyne (Lord Bannatyne). This means that some of the trees in the grounds of Kames Castle are well over 200 years old.

In order to continue the legacy of Lord Bannatyne, and to preserve the natural beauty of Kames for future generations, we decided to embark on an ambitious tree planting programme. So, at the beginning of 2020, we launched ‘Tree Six Five’ – an initiative to plant 365 native trees in 365 days. Little did we know when we started this that, in just a few short months, the world would be turned upside down with a global pandemic. Despite the challenges during this time, our wonderful groundsman completed this project single handedly within the original timescale. Today we are happy to report that, four years after these little bare root ‘sticks’ were first planted, these latest additions to Kames are thriving.

The benefits that trees have for the environment are well documented. Not only do they help offset carbon emissions by absorbing CO2, they also protect and encourage biodiversity and wildlife. More than this, the benefits of trees to our health is becoming increasingly well documented with forest bathing and tree hugging believed to have various health benefits including reducing stress and lowering blood pressure (link to The Scottish Wildlife Trust)

Unlike the formal planting of the walled garden at Kames, the forested area is – as far as possble – left to grow in its ‘unmanicured’ state to welcome wildlife and allow nature to thrive. Leaves fall, branches break and weeds grow. But there is a ‘path’ winding through the trees and we encourage our guests to get their wellies on and explore the peace and tranquility that this natural space all has to offer. And why not try hugging a tree as you go ?… you never know, you may just feel a little better.