Woodlands Plus

The ‘Woodlands Plus’ project aims to add employment, public access or biodiversity value to three 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 on each site– whether for young people looking for a job in the region, for local residents or visitors through public amenities, or for habitats and biodiversity.

The ‘Woodlands Plus’ project uses 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.

Co-ordinated and overseen by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, the project is funded by sources including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the commercial planting sector and the Glenkens & District Trust, administered by Foundation Scotland.

The improvements are achieved through partnership work across the private, public and community sectors. Our ambition is that these works can be seen as exemplars for adding value to woodland creation projects in Dumfries & Galloway.

A Map of the three locations that make up the project:

Site 1: Muirdrochwood Forest, Carsphairn – Pre-Apprentice recruitment

Dumfries & Galloway has some of the highest youth departure rates in Scotland, with a number of recruitment challenges as a result. It is important to show examples of local jobs in the forestry sector and the variety of skills supported.

Photo: A recent school visit to the Muirdrochwood Site

Carsphairn Community Woodland has acquired 48.7 ha of woodland at Muirdrochwood aiming to create a sustainable forest providing outdoor space for the community, local employment and a rural skills training centre. CCW is a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC591976) incorporated on 20 March 2018 and with a volunteer Board of Directors elected by a community membership.

Taking ownership of the woodland enables CCW to manage it sustainably for recreation and the well-being of the local residents and visitors, whilst enhancing the natural environment. New footpaths will enhance local recreational and learning opportunities for the community. A sustainable, local, woodfuel enterprise and a mobile sawmill are able to supply woodfuel and wood products to the local community.

This project will fund the employment of a six-month pre-apprentice role. A paid employee, the focus will be on skills and training during the time in the role.

This model builds on previous experience built up through the Galloway Glens Intern Programme.

Site 2: Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland, near Corsock

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/.

Photo: Aerial view of the Glaisters Bridge Community Site, with new path network and tree planting underway

The ‘Woodlands Plus’ work on the site includes wildlife scrapes, signage, seating and events through 24/25, establishing it as a community asset.

Site 3: 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 ‘Woodlands Plus’ project will work with partners including the wider general public and local Community Councils to install two information panels – drawing together recent work to understand the history of the site. The project will also install a bench on the slope up from Dalry and a Picnic Bench near the summit with awesome views towards the Rhins of Kells.

Map: showing currently proposed activity on site (precise planned and information board content to be discussed through public discussion August 2024)

The Waterside Hill works are being delivered in partnership with Scottish Woodlands and the site owners.

The ambition of this project is to deliver the work at these three sites, but also to act as local examples of how value can be added to woodland creation projects in Dumfries & Galloway, and further afield.

If you would like any more information, please get in touch with mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.