Community Woodlands

June 2019   Abriachan Forest Trust wins Finest Woods award

Dietrich Pannwitz of Sylvestrus Ltd has told us of the success of Abriachan Forest Trust, whose woodland he helps to manage, in being 'Highly Commended' in a competition run by the Scotland's Finest Woods Awards organisation.  Their success was achieved in the organisation's new "1919 Forestry Act Centenary Award", and the award was presented to representatives of the trust by Fergus Ewing, MSP and Minister for Forestry, at the Royal Highland Show on 21 June. 

Below is a summary of the Judges' verdict on the Trust's entry

May 2019  Evanton Community Wood new shelter project nears completion
 

Evanton Community Woodland volunteers are close to completing a year-long project to build a visitors' shelter in the Mag's Wood area away from the existing visitor/education cabin and children's play area, to encourage groups to make increased use of this end of the wood.

The shelter is built largely from wind-blown timber from the wood, and uses a method of 'reciprocal' roof construction in which the round logs forming the main beams are held in place by their own weight as they interlock at the apex of the roof.

View the story of the construction in pictures

Roof designer Henry Fosbrooke's website

Evanton Community Wood

Evanton Wood Community Company was established in 2007 following an approach to the community by Novar Estate to sell the 65 hectare mature wood immediately behind the village, bordered by the Allt Graad/R.Glass and Blackrock Gorge. This has long been an important amenity for the community.

The Company is a very active group of about 80 members which as well as managing the wood runs an extensive programme of social and educational activities.

More information is available  here , and on the Company's very pictorial website at  www.evantonwood.com .

Contact     Adrian Clark
7 Camden Street, Evanton  IV16 9XU
01349 830517
adrian.clark444@btinternet.com

October 2018     Free trees for all community groups!

"The Conservation Volunteers are delighted to announce the 2018/19 award winning I Dig Tree programme with thanks to OVO Energy. This current planting season will see a further 160,000 trees being planted across the country bringing the total number to an impressive 728,000+.

"As a member of the Community Network we are letting you know first that the programme opens on Monday 8th October, please do share this news with other community groups and the various ways in which everyone can get involved.

"Ready. Steady. Grow ...register - on Monday 8th October 2018.  Anyone can register their community group to receive one of the 2,800 free community tree planting packs (each containing 50 trees), through the My Community Digs Trees initiative on the TCV website.  Alternatively, people can volunteer to take part in a local tree planting activity."

Read The Conservation Volunteers email in full .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Abriachan Forest Trust

From the Trust's  website  (which is not up to date at 10/17)

Abriachan is a scattered rural community of about 140 people set high above the shores of Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. There are still some active crofts but the majority of inhabitants are employed in Inverness and beyond. The local school closed in 1958 so Abriachan’s children now attend Dochgarroch Primary and Charleston Academy.

In 1998 the community purchased 534 hectares of forest and open hill ground from Forest Enterprise. Since then, as a social enterprise, the Abriachan Forest Trust has managed this land to create local employment, improve the environment and encourage it's enjoyment by the public through a network of spectacular paths, family suited mountain bike trails and innovative education opportunities.

http://www.abriachan.org.uk/
 

Aultnaskiach Dell Community Woodland

A hidden oasis in the middle of Inverness, Aultnaskiach Dell has recently been established as a productive and recreational community woodland, thanks to a generous initiative by the owner and the hard work of a dedicated group of local residents.  Learn more from the Chair of the managing group.

Community Woodlands Association

http://www.communitywoods.org/index.php

Conference 20-21 October 2017
http://www.communitywoods.org/event-details.php?id=481

Culbokie Community Trust - Culbokie Woods Project

From the CCT website:

The woods to the south of the village are a fantastic resource, enjoyed by walkers (with and without dogs!), cyclists, bird watchers, wild food foragers and lots more. Culbokie Community Trust has a small group which liaises with the Forestry Commission to improve facilities, and promotes some of the lesser-known features of the woods, historical, geological and biological. In particular, we are hoping to secure funding for a new path to give access to views of the loch.

Other plans include guided walks, bat spotting, and work parties to keep the paths clear. If anyone is interesting in helping with either group, please contact info@culbokiect.org.

Maps and Leaflets

The group has produced a downloadable information leaflet which includes details about the management, geology, wildlife, history and folklore of the woodland. A map is also available as a separate document.
 

Strathnairn Community Woodlands

The community of Strathnairn took over the ownership of School and Milton woods in Farr in 2003.  School Wood (approx. 12.14 hectares) sits immediately behind Farr Primary School.  Milton Wood (28 hectares) may be found opposite to the 'Rennie Macintosh' style houses at the west end of Farr.  Both woodlands contain areas of environmental / scenic interest, and exhibit a mix of trees which offer a habitat for woodpeckers, red squirrels, foxes, bats, badgers as well as a good variety of plants, mosses, lichens and fungi.

Access is easy using well defined footpaths and good car parking.  Find more information on the Strathnairn Community website at  http://www.strathnairn.org.uk.