Aberchirder youth artwork featured on revitalised community interpretation panels at Cleanhill Wood
Aberchirder Primary School pupils and members of a local Scout group took part in a community-led project to revitalise Cleanhill Wood’s interpretation panels that will educate and fascinate visitors for years to come.
An interpretation panel is a durable, illustrated sign designed to explain the significance of a site’s history or natural environment. Local school pupils and Scouts contributed original artwork for the panels that combine maps, text, and graphics to help visitors learn about the life and history of the wood.
Positioned at key points in the woods, the panels were funded by Aberchirder & District Community Association (ADCA) and designed and made by Aberdeenshire Council. The boards were installed by members of the community and provide a welcome message, details of the site's history, and information about the local wildlife and flowers.
Jonny Barton, ACDA Secretary, said: “ADCA is very grateful for all the youth artwork and for the photographs from local photographer Gordon Shiach and for local joiner Gilbert Brodie who installed the five signs. For ADCA, the cost of making the signs has been a worthwhile investment in our community woodland. Cleanhill was gifted to the people of Aberchirder about 150 years ago and it really has been a gift that keeps on giving.”
Councillor Doreen Mair, Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan Area Committee Chair, said: “By blending the artistic talents of the Scouts and our pupils with the council’s technical resources, ACDA has helped to create something that belongs to everyone. These panels will help residents and visitors alike appreciate the rich history and vibrant natural habitat available on Aberchirder’s doorstep.
“Thank you to everyone involved in the hard work that brought this project over the line. It’s another fantastic example of how local groups can work collaboratively with the council to create a tangible benefit for their community.”
The pupils involved from Aberchirder Primary visited the woods on Friday 15 May 2026 to see their original art in situ. On location, ADCA gifted medals, as a keepsake, to the children who had their artwork printed: Niva Farquharson, Angus Forrest, and Oliver Fraser. ACDA also ensured that keepsake medals were gifted to the local Scout group members involved.
To further support the Aberchirder Primary pupils’ outdoor learning, the council’s Ranger Service donated a magnifying pole to the school that will allow close examination of insects, leaves, and other natural items within their educational setting.
Pictured is Angus Forrest (pupil), Jonny Barton (ACDA Secretary), and Niva Farquharson (pupil).
