The Field has been largely neglected for the past 30 years but it has a rich natural and cultural heritage. The land itself is made up of a surprising number of diverse habitats – grass, heath, bog and native woodland – which form a wildlife corridor supporting a particularly rich range of species in an area of dense commercial forestry. With views up and down Strathard, ancient woods and a river running through it, there’s no doubt The Field is beautiful.
As well as the natural heritage, the history of Kinlochard is closely connected to The Field.
Stone for building – and for the Katrine Water Supply to Glasgow – has been quarried here. The meeting of basic need is also visible in the lade to the Mill of Chon and in the rusting infrastructure of the original water supply to the two dozen 1950’s Forestry Cottages that make-up half the village’s present-day housing. The land itself has been used for agriculture with remnants of a sheep fank and signs of lazy beds – and what may be charcoal-making pits – gradually disappearing as nature takes over. An old route to Loch Lomond runs through The Field connecting the farms of Comer and Ledard – both of interest to Rob Roy MacGregor. There are suggestions too of much older human connection with The Field.
This rich heritage deserves to be preserved and shared.
For many people in Kinlochard The Field is an integral part of what they value and love about living there. A section within the Strathard Heritage Digital Archive demonstrates what The Field means to members of the community.