Pupils from Twynholm Primary School enjoyed a hands-on woodland visit on 22nd April. At Knocktall Wood near Borgue, the group made the most of the spring sunshine to learn about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, timber uses, and forestry skills.
The visit marks one of the first activities delivered through a new partnership between Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands (DGW) and investment manager Foresight Group. The collaboration will focus on delivering tangible benefits for local communities, including upgrading and developing physical infrastructure to improve access to woodlands, supporting educational visits to raise awareness and build skills, and backing practical, community-led projects that enhance biodiversity, public access, and wellbeing across Dumfries and Galloway.
The delivery of the event, and transport to and from the site, was overseen by DGW. DGW contracted Ranger Toni Lamont to lead the session, who said:
“It was fantastic to welcome the Primary 6 and 7 pupils from Twynholm Primary to Knocktall Wood. The group brought great energy and curiosity as they explored the site, got up close to the trees, and discovered their importance. The visit was a brilliant way to introduce the wide range of career opportunities in forestry, while also highlighting the value of producing and using local timber. With beautiful sunshine throughout the day, it made for a really memorable and inspiring experience for everyone involved.”
Murray Aitchison, Forestry Portfolio Associate, Foresight Group, comments:
“It was great to see so many enthusiastic young learners engaging with the woodland and discovering the breadth of opportunities forestry offers. This visit brought our partnership with D&G Woodlands to life, demonstrating how collaboration, practical action, and shared ambition can create meaningful outcomes for local communities. We’re proud to support skills development and inspire the next generation. We look forward to delivering more projects in Dumfries & Galloway.”
A pupil attending added:
“We thought the trip was enjoyable and an amazing experience as it was both educational and fun. We enjoyed learning about trees in their natural environment, taking part in the quiz and drawing maps.”
For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow them on social media, visit the website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.
For more information about ambitions of this work – working with Foresight Group and EJD Forestry, see: https://foresight.group/news-insights/news/2026/foresight-natural-capital-signs-inaugural-collaboration-agreement-with-dumfries-galloway-woodlands-to-support-forestry-community-projects/
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a membership organisation. If you’d like to join as a member, visit the website. For any further info, please contact mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.