Welcome to our site
Heraldry
The Blackwood insignia incorporates traditional heraldic elements, such as the fesse with a crescent and two mullets which is a tribute to earlier Blackwood heraldry including ‘the falling star of the House of Vere’. The mullet is often considered a symbol of truth, spirit and hope and in its capacity as a star it also denotes divinity, constancy and celestial goodness. The crescent symbolises that the bearer has been ‘enlightened and honoured by the gracious aspect of his sovereign’. It also symbolises the hope of a greater glory and lights the night sky for travellers.
The oak tree, which is bathed in the dim light of the celestial bodies, gives associations to the black woodlands and denotes age and strength. However, it is also a symbol of Native Woods Preservation’s cause, namely the protection of the native woods of Scotland. The motto ’silva sunt servanda’ proudly reflects our work. Can you find out what it means?
The crest symbol is a deer, which in heraldic means ‘one who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony’, and the deer is always a welcome visitor to Loch Wood.
Loch Wood is a beautiful unspoilt woodland situated on the Blackwood
Estate outside the village of Blackwood in Lanarkshire. The estate was
the head seat of the renowned Weir/Vere family who came to Scotland in
the 10th century and lived on the Blackwood Estate until the 1930s. The wood contains various
ancient woodland indicator species along with an abundance of wildlife
which benefits from this varied habitat. There are mainly native
broadleaf species such as birch, beech, sycamore, oak, ash and alder
with some native conifers like Scots pine.
The
woodland offers some good sporting opportunities, like trekking and
wildlife stalking. An enchanting stream, the Cander Water, flows
throughout the estate. The Cander Water was once dammed to create a
small loch for ice skating and fishing but the dam has since been
breached. This now forms and attractive wetland area with a diverse
range of plant species. There are also Victorian footpaths and a former
lily pond inside the woodland.
The Much Honoured (Sir Knight) W. Daniel Petryga
Lord of Blackwood