Rob and Gabrielle McAllan of Birken Tree Highland Birch Water have grown their enterprise following a £25,000 Green Recovery Capital Development Grant.
Rob and Gabrielle McAllan launched Birken Tree Highland Birch Water in 2019; it remains Scotland’s only commercial Birch tapping venture, producing 8,000 litres of birch water each year. Gathered from ancient Birch Trees in a Scottish tradition going back thousands of years, birch water is now marketed as a smooth and elegant mixer for Scotch Whisky, but is equally delicious on its own, over ice.
Based in Strathbraan, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, the site they occupy on long term lease is made up of ancient birch woods and Tomgarrow, an area that had once formed part of the Tomgarrow township which until the mid-1800’s was home to over 40 inhabitants.
Rob explains, “The Strathbraan site has an interesting history; home to small scale crofters for thousands of years, it has laid empty for the past century. Historically it would have been managed under a woodland-pasture and subsistence farming system but has been reverting. Bracken and scrub willow is encroaching on the ancient Birch woodlands, and in general, it is becoming less rich in biodiversity.”
Rob’s decades-long experience in woodland management and forestry consultancy, and Gabrielle’s extensive knowledge of the healing properties of plants, offered them a unique perspective on this, and prompted the next step of their journey.
Forming Strathbraan Woodland Croft, an agro-forestry and small-scale regenerative farming business with woodland crofting, the pair have set out to reverse the gradual decline of the woodlands and the pastureland, and to demonstrate a positive economic impact from regenerative land use.
Rob continued, “Although agro-forestry is very much alive and well in Scandinavia, it is not as common to see farming and forestry together in Scotland. However, when well managed it is both possible and successful.
“The site at Strathbraan is perfect for this enterprise with its mixture of ancient Birch woodland and former pasture. It is our aim to create an exemplar operation that brings together the commercial and sustainable benefits of Birch tapping and the practice of agro-forestry and regenerative farming.
“We plan to keep rare and ancient Scottish breeds – Shetland sheep, Highland cows, Scots Dumpy chickens, ducks and Highland Garron horses – and to return the existing ancient birch woods to their former glory through woodland management intervention and selective sheep and cattle grazing.
“As well as this, we will produce Shitake, Oyster, chanterelles and lion’s mane mushrooms on Birch logs, and offer an exemplar in woodland skills, agro-forestry and wild food foraging.
In order to fully execute their ambitious plan, Strathbraan Woodland Croft project successfully applied for a Green Recovery Capital Development grant worth £25,000.
Revenue will come from the land and the farm through birch tapping, mushrooms, wool, eggs, meat and vegetables, and other by-products such as wool/ bracken compost.
As well as ensuring the viability of the project, the Grant will allow Strathbraan Woodland Croft to contribute directly to the local rural economy through job creation, the revival of traditional knowledge and skills, and provide an exemplar for other projects across Scotland.
Rob commented, “The £25K match funding via the Green Recovery Capital Development Grant, has allowed us to diversify the main Birch Water business while positively impacting on this ancient land. We simply wouldn’t have been able to do it without the capital.”
“After three years in the planning, we’re now looking towards growing the business to circa £300K per annum through our sustainable produce and learning experience sharing.”
In addition to the business model, Strathbraan Woodland Croft project will involve a chosen university in the creation of a research project measuring the positive impacts site management will have on biodiversity and environmental value.
The project has the support of Murthly and Strathbraan Estates, Scottish Forestry, and Perth and Kinross Council through the Green Recovery Fund award.