Woodlands Plus
The ‘Woodlands Plus’ project works to ‘add value’ to woodland sites in the region, and inspire similar added value on other woodland creation projects.
If trees are being planted in Dumfries & Galloway, every angle should be explored to add value locally – whether for young people looking for a job in the region, for local residents or visitors through public amenities, or for habitats and biodiversity.
Initial Project
The ‘Woodlands Plus’ initial project used three woodland sites – with a variety of landowner/lease and community involvement angles – to illustrate how value can be added to woodlands in the region.
a) Glaisters Bridge: The Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland site forms part of an innovative lease, signed between the Forestry Developer Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company, and the Upper Urr Environment Trust (UUET). UUET is a community group with an ambition to support the habitats of the Upper Urr catchment. For more information, visit UUET’s website here: https://www.uuet.co.uk/. The ‘Woodlands Plus’ work on the site includes wildlife scrapes, signage, seating and events through 24/25, establishing it as a community asset.
b) Muirdrochwood Forest, Carsphairn – Pre-Apprentice recruitment. This project funded the employment of a six-month pre-apprentice role – the successful applicant was Shaun McClure. A paid employee, a focus was on skills and training during the time in the role. This model builds on previous experience built up through the Galloway Glens Intern Programme. In 2024, DGW’s Sam met Shaun, with a blog of their meeting here: https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/catching-up-with-the-carsphairn-community-woodlands-pre-apprentice/.
c) Waterside Hill, near Dalry – Public assets: Waterside Hill is a local landmark, with the Southern Upland way crossing the site and a fascinating heritage in its own right, connected to developments in the area through history. The project worked with partners including the wider general public and local Community Councils to install two information panels (content here: https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/waterside-hill/.) These panels drew together recent work to understand the history of the site, and installed a bench near the summit. A wooden sculpture is currently under construction to sit on the bench and meet weary travellers.
Map of initial three sites:
Co-ordinated and overseen by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, the initial project was funded by sources including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the commercial planting sector and the Glenkens & District Trust, administered by Foundation Scotland.
2026 Update
Many thanks to everyone involved in the initial project, showcasing the range of ‘added value’ benefits that can be delivered from woodland creation sites in the region. This ties in well with ‘Just Transition’ and ‘community wealth building’ ambitions. If Dumfries & Galloway is going to be the engine room of the UK’s transition to Net Zero, then innovative angles should be explored to derive maximum local benefit.
In January 2026, Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands signed regional ‘added value’ agreements with two forestry partners which allows this work to be progressed and formalised in the coming three years. Full story here: Foresight Natural Capital signs inaugural collaboration agreement with D & G Woodlands to support forestry community projects
We’ll be updating this page shortly as these agreements take shape…
If you would like any more information, please get in touch with mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.