Woodland creation site supports Police Scotland training operations
Hartfield forest managed by Scottish Woodlands Ltd is providing unexpected community benefits – for a model aircraft flying club and Police Scotland's Air Support Unit.
The site at Hartfield in Renfrewshire, a former livestock farm, is now managed by Scottish Woodlands on behalf of Par Equity. The woodland was designed with a designated open space for use by Caplaw Model Flying Group – it is now also being used by Police Scotland to conduct vital helicopter training operations.
Hartfield, near Glasgow Airport, has deep connections to aviation history. The location is home to the Herman Carey Memorial, honouring American pilot Herman 'Jack' Carey, who was killed aged just 29 whilst flying his P47 Thunderbolt in 1943. A new memorial was unveiled at the site on Wednesday 8th October, led by Howwood Community Council.
Par Equity acquired the land at Hartfield in 2024, transforming low grade pasture land into a well-designed woodland.
The flying site at Hartfield has been in continuous use since the mid-1980s and is considered one of the best model aircraft flying sites in Scotland. It has hosted fly-in events, attracting top pilots from across the UK, and is regularly used for precision aerobatics competitions.
Three years ago, Police Scotland's Air Support Unit approached the Caplaw Model Flying Group with a request to use Hartfield for specialised training. The location now serves as an approved Civil Aviation Authority off-site landing zone, providing Police Scotland with an ideal venue for night-vision goggle training, search operations, and drone pilot training.
Alan Dunn, from the Caplaw Model Flying Group, said: "We are delighted to support Police Scotland's Air Support Unit with their drone and helicopter training operations at our site. As a former helicopter HEMS paramedic, I understand the importance of having suitable training sites with minimal hazards. The partnership works extremely well, and we'd like to thank the landowners for allowing both our hobby and these vital police training operations to continue."
Paul McGowan, of Police Scotland Air Support Unit, said: "We are grateful to Caplaw Model Flying Club and the landowners and forest managers who allow us to utilise the site for both drone and helicopter training.”
"It is an ideal location for our drone operators to hone their skills over terrain which allows us to safely practice a range of search techniques, as well as general aircraft handling skills. In particular, it is invaluable to our helicopter operations, specifically for night vision training, which allows us to maintain our skills with minimal noise impact. We look forward to many more years of training at Caplaw.”
Josh Franchetti, Forest Manager with Scottish Woodlands Ltd, based at Scottish Woodlands Fenwick office , said: “It’s great to see continued use of the space by Caplaw flyers and Police Scotland. A great example of Scottish Woodlands and Par Equity's commitment to working with local groups to provide community benefits.”
“Par equity recognises the site's historical significance and ongoing community value.”