Glensaugh Site Visit

Hosted by the South Grampian Wildlife Group in Partnership with JHI Glensaugh Farm

The theme for our site visit was ‘local resilience’ and offered a unique look at the systems and equipment in place to tackle wildfire in the local environment. The visit featured demonstrations of ATV-mounted fire fogging units and the use of helicopters in firefighting.

A unique look at wildfire prevention in action

The site visit took place on Monday, 11th November, hosted by the South Grampian Wildfire Group and the James Hutton Institute at the Glensaugh Research Farm, Fettercairn. Focusing on ‘Local Resilience,’ the visit provided insights into wildfire management strategies and featured demonstrations of key firefighting equipment.

The site visit fee was £30, which included coach transport between Aberdeen and Glensaugh, as well as lunch and refreshments.

The coach departed from near the P&J Live conference venue at 10am, arriving at Glensaugh at 11am. Upon arrival, delegates had time for refreshments before being split into two groups, rotating activities after lunch.

The outdoor group took a short walk through woodland to the moor’s edge to observe a demonstration of an ATV-mounted fire fogging unit and a helicopter water drop. Delegates were advised to wear warm clothing, waterproofs, and boots for the walk.

The indoor group attended a series of short presentations in the research farm’s seminar rooms. Topics included local engagement with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) wildfire strategy, fire experiments at Glensaugh, Scottish Forestry wildfire planning, fire insurance, local resilience, and the role of the South Grampian Wildfire Group.

There were also displays on moorland management by the Angus Glens Moorland Group and firefighting equipment used by land managers and SFRS.

After a day of presentations and demonstrations, the coach departed Glensaugh at 3pm, returning to P&J Live by 4pm. Special thanks to Scottish Forestry for sponsoring the site visit and to the James Hutton Institute for hosting the event.