PERTH AND ARGYLL REGIONAL FORESTRY …scotland.forestry.gov.uk/images/corporate/pdf/PARFF...PERTH AND ARGYLL REGIONAL FORESTRY FORUM REVIEW OF SOCIAL FORESTRY CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PERTH AND ARGYLL REGIONAL FORESTRY FORUM

REVIEW OF SOCIAL FORESTRY

February 2012

Final Report



CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1 INTRODUCTION 3 2 STRATEGIC CONTEXT 4 2.1 Scottish Forestry Strategy 4 2.2 Supporting Strategy Documents 5 2.3 Forest Districts 5 2.4 Local Authorities 6 2.5 Social Profile of PARFF Area 6 2.6 LEADER 6 3 DELIVERY MECHANISMS 7 3.1 Introduction 7 3.2 WIAT & Forestry for People 7 3.2.1 Introduction 7 3.2.2 WIAT 7 3.2.3 Forestry for People 8 3.3 FCS SEEDCORN Funding 8 3.4 National Forest Land Scheme 9 3.5 National Forest Estate 9 3.6 Woods For Learning 10 3.7 Woods For Health 11 3.8 Other Mechanisms 12 3.8.1 Central Scotland Green Network 12 3.8.2 SRDP 13 3.9 Other Activities 13 3.9.1 Diversity and Equality 13 3.9.2 Local Authorities 13 3.9.3 Partnerships 14 3.9.4 Community Consultation 14 3.9.5 Exemplars 14 4 ASSESSMENT 15 4.1 Overview of Social Forestry Activity 15 4.2 Geographic Distribution 15 4.3 FCS Support Mechanisms 16 4.3.1 Formal / Informal Agreements on NFE 16 4.3.2 WIAT / Forests For People 16 4.3.3 National Forest Land Scheme 17 4.4 Woods For Learning 18 4.5 Woods For Health 18 4.6 Central Scotland Green Network 18 4.7 SRDP Rural Priorities 18

Appendices 1 Map of Perth & Argyll Conservancy Area 19 2 Background to Social Forestry 21 3 Scottish Forestry Strategy Outcomes 24 3.1 Community Development Performance Indicators 25 3.2 Access and Health Performance Indicators 27 4 Indicative Forestry Strategies 29 4.1 Argyll and Bute 30 4.2 Clackmannanshire and Stirling 30 4.3 Perth and Kinross 30 4.4 Fife 31 4.5 Angus 31 4.6 TAYplan 31 4.7 Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park 31 5 Case Studies Within PARFF Area 33 6 List of Settlements Within PARFF Area 40 7 Community Woodland and Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 43 8 Map : Distribution of Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 56 9 Map : Distribution of Projects by FCS Support Mechanism 58 10 Map : Settlements With No Recorded Social Forestry Project 60 11 References 62



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. This review of social forestry has been prepared by the Perth and Argyll Regional Forest Forum (PARFF) to inform and guide the advice that the Forum provides to Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) on aspects of sustainable forestry.

2. The review has been undertaken during 2010-11 as a desk exercise, drawing together information provided by FCS staff with the findings of internet research. The review has focussed on the three key themes within the Scottish Forestry Strategy (SFS) that relate most closely to social forestry: community development; education and lifelong learning; and access and health, although it is recognised that social forestry outcomes are also being delivered through other SFS themes.

3. Within the PARFF area a total of 75 community woodland projects have been identified that are delivering outcomes under the three main social forestry strands. Details of these projects are provided in Appendix 7.

4. Of the 75 projects 69 are reported to be receiving some kind of support from FCS, whilst 6 are proceeding without any apparent involvement from FCS.

5. For the 69 projects receiving support, the main delivery mechanisms are:

a. formal / informal agreements relating to activities on the National Forest Estate (NFE) – 33 projects;

b. WIAT and/or Forests For People (F4P) scheme – 18 projects;

c. National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS) – 18 projects / potential projects.

6. It is possible that some FCS activities may not have been captured through the research process, especially in relation to education and health. Further input by the relevant specialist members of FCS staff is required to ensure that such activities are recorded and a process could usefully be developed to capture this area of work for the future.

7. Levels of social forestry activity appear to be generally well spread across the PARFF area. A map showing the location of all 75 projects is provided in Appendix 8. A breakdown by the different support mechanisms is shown in Appendix 9.

8. Agreements relating to the use of NFE land are well developed across the whole area indicating that staff within all three Forest Districts (Tay, Cowal & Trossachs, and West Argyll) are engaging constructively with their local communities. Information is not readily available on whether such engagement is proactive or reactive and it is unclear how such activity relates to any overarching community engagement strategy and whether the activity is formally monitored and reported. Useful ad hoc reports have been received by this Forum in the past. Direct contact with community groups would be required to explore the scope for further development.

9. Engagement with the WIAT and F4P schemes appears at first sight to be good, with a number of projects underway, especially in the eastern area of the PARFF region. However, there are a number of significant settlements where no such projects are yet

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taking place and the level and quality of activity in the larger settlements is also a cause for concern. There appears to be considerable scope to increase takeup of these schemes and also to enhance the nature and scale of outcomes. In addition, it is noted that small rural communities, of which there are many in Argyll particularly, are ineligible for WIAT funding; the only source of funding for such communities is through general SRDP measures.

10. The NFLS is exceptionally successful in the Argyll and Bute Council area with 15 of the total 17 projects located within small rural settlements in this Council area. Given the nature and scale of the NFE in the west of Scotland there may be scope for engaging yet more of these communities in the scheme and also for promoting the scheme in other areas with a significant area of NFE, notably within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and in the north of the PARFF area – the northern areas of Perth and Kinross and the Angus Glens. A review and assessment of publicity for the NFLS in these areas would be useful.

11. It is difficult from the information supplied to assess the progress being made within the PARFF area against the objectives of either the Woods for Learning strategy of the Woods For Health strategy (see 6 above). Although national performance indicators have been identified for these two strategies achievements are not reported at conservancy level and it is therefore impossible to identify activities, outputs and outcomes for the PARFF area.

12. The Central Scotland Green Network is a key project within Scotland’s National Planning Framework and provides an important context for the development of social forestry. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council areas lie within the defined boundaries of the CSGN and whilst a partnership has been established to provide a focus for project development within this area over the next three years, no details are yet available on how practical projects are being identified and progressed. This should be clarified and the role of FCS confirmed to ensure that the full potential of the area is realised.

13. In terms of monitoring the achievement of social forestry objectives within the PARFF area it is extremely difficult to do this effectively with the present system of performance monitoring and reporting which is designed mainly to monitor achievements at national level. Information is not readily available at Conservancy level.

14. Social forestry is a key strand of the Scottish Forestry Strategy and significant resources are committed to its delivery, including both funding and staff time. It is important that the returns on this investment are identified and assessed in order to ensure that resources can be directed for maximum impact – nationally, regionally and locally.



1 INTRODUCTION

The Perth & Argyll Regional Forestry Forum (PARFF) advises Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) on the development and implementation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy (SFS) within the Perth and Argyll Conservancy area.

The Perth and Argyll Conservancy covers three Forest Districts : Tay; West Argyll; and Cowal & Trossachs. A map of the area is supplied in Appendix 1.

In order to inform and guide the advice that it gives on social forestry aspects of the SFS the Forum is undertaking a review of current activities and issues relating to social forestry in the PARFF area covering the three main themes of the Strategy:

• community development;

• education and lifelong learning;

• access and health.

The review commences with a short summary of the strategic framework for social forestry activities across the region. Further context is provided in Appendix 2

For each theme the review then provides an inventory of activity, identifying the projects that are being supported and the relevant FCS delivery mechanisms (eg SRDP, WIAT, F4P, NFLS, CSGN, FEI, management of FES land).

Consideration is given to:

• activity in urban and rural areas;

• concentrations of activity in different areas and conversely gaps in activity;

• nature of lead organisations;

• extent of community engagement with crofter forestry.

The review also seeks to identify issues that may be constraining the further development of community engagement with forestry.

The review has been carried out as a desk research exercise. Key sources of information have been:

• the Community Woodlands Association website, providing access to a map showing the location of all members;

• the FCS main website, providing access to strategy documents, action plans and progress reports;

• FCS staff, providing details of NFLS, WIAT and F4P applications; and

• internet research to obtain details of each individual community woodland project.

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2 STRATEGIC CONTEXT

2.1 Scottish Forestry Strategy

The development of social forestry is a stated goal of the Scottish government. The Scottish Forestry Strategy 2010-13 describes the following Vision:

“By the second half of this century people are benefiting widely from Scotland’s trees, woodlands and forests, actively engaging with and looking after them for the use and enjoyment of generations to come”.

The main relevant area of work is in relation to delivering Outcome 1: Improved health and well-being of people and their communities.

This outcome is achieved through the promotion of three objectives:

• assisting community participation in forestry;

• enhancing opportunities for health and enjoyment; and

• contributing to growth in learning and skills.

Aspects of social forestry are also being delivered through Outcome 2: Competitive and innovative businesses contributing to the growth of the Scottish economy, and Outcome 3: High quality, robust and adaptable environment.

Examples within Outcome 2 include action to promote local biomass schemes and action to develop recreation facilities to support tourism development. Both of these actions will help to stimulate and support the development of rural businesses and associated employment and training opportunities, all key objectives of social forestry.

Examples within Outcome 3 include action to assess and improve landscape character and action to identify and interpret the historic and cultural value of woodlands.

The activities required to achieve these outcomes are presented thematically within the SFS. Two of the seven key themes are particularly relevant in guiding engagement with communities (education & lifelong learning is wrapped into the Community Development theme)

• Key Theme 4 : Community Development; and

• Key Theme 5 : Access and Health.

For each theme the main areas of activity are identified together with associated priorities and performance indicators. The list of performance indicators for the two themes is reproduced in Appendix 3 indicating also the mechanisms to be used for measurement. Priority indicators are shown in italics.

Elements of social forestry are also promoted through other Key Themes, including:

Theme 1 : Climate Change, notably in relation to development of the biomass sector;

Theme 2 : Timber, concerning improved local management of hardwoods;

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Theme 3 : Business Development, where forestry offers many opportunities for rural development, social enterprise development and the acquisition of new skills, for example through the growth of biomass, tourism and timber product businesses, the development of community woodland (ownership/management) businesses and woodland crofts;

Theme 6 : Environmental Quality, where local community groups can become involved in partnership projects to improve landscape quality; and

Theme 7 : Biodiversity, where local community groups can engage in both conservation and interpretation / awareness raising / education projects.

NB. Indicators for these key themes do not reflect social forestry outcomes.

2.2 Supporting Strategy Documents

The FCS website lists a number of policy documents that support delivery of the SFS including five that relate to the Commission’s work with and for communities:

• Working With Communities – a policy commitment;

• Forests For People Recreation Framework 2008 – “sets out the vision, priorities and focus for action for access, recreation and tourism on the national forest estate”;

• Woods In And Around Towns (WIAT) – Phase 2 of the programme runs from 2008-2011;

• Woods For Health Strategy (2009) and associated Action Plan for the period 2009-12;

• Woods For Learning Strategy 2010-13 and associated Action Plan.

In addition, the following reports provide information and case studies relating to FCS work with communities:

• An evaluation of partnerships between Forestry Commission Scotland and Community Groups, a report produced by the Community Woodland Association in 2006 and finalised in 2010;

• Community Partnerships on the National Forest Estate, a set of 10 case studies produced in 2005 plus a map and list of all known partnerships at that time (pp.8/9 of the report); one of the case studies (Ladybank) is located within the PARFF area;

• Community Involvement in Private Woodlands, a set of 7 case studies produced in 2005 for the Forestry for People Advisory Panel; none of the case studies is located within the PARFF area;

• Volunteering on the National Forest Estate, a set of 10 case studies, 2008.

2.3 Forest Districts

Each of the three Forest Districts within the PARFF area produces a Strategic Plan setting out their contribution to implementation of the Scottish Forestry Strategy.

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http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCScommunitypartnershipssurveyMarch2010.pdf/$FILE/FCScommunitypartnershipssurveyMarch2010.pdf

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCScommunitypartnershipssurveyMarch2010.pdf/$FILE/FCScommunitypartnershipssurveyMarch2010.pdf

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc108.pdf/$FILE/fcfc108.pdf






It has not been possible within the scope of the present study to review the content of these three Plans to identify the specific objectives and targets set for each area in terms of delivering the social forestry agenda.

It is noted that a draft “Forest for People Strategy” was produced for the Cowal and Trossachs FD in January 2010 with the associated consultation period ending in March 2010. This has resulted in an Action Plan with a tourism focus.

2.4 Local Authorities

The PARFF area encompasses the local authority areas of Argyll & Bute, Stirling, Clackmannan, Perth and Kinross, north east Fife, Angus and Dundee. Within the current Planning system each local authority is required to produce an Indicative Forestry Strategy (IFS) or Woodland Framework setting out how the SFS will be integrated into development plans at the local level. The current status of such plans for each local authority area is summarised in Appendix 4.

Within the Argyll and Bute IFS a number of good practice case studies have been identified and these are reproduced in Appendix 5.

2.5 Social Profile of PARFF Area

Approximately 16% of Scotland’s population live within the area covered by the Perth and Argyll RFF – approximately 800,000 people.

Although the area includes the cities of Dundee, Stirling and Perth it is characterised by a large number of small towns and villages, many with a population of less than 1,000 people.. A list of key settlements and their population size is provided in Appendix 6.

The area also encompasses the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

No information is readily available on the social structure and profile of the PARFF area. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) identifies that within Dundee 30% of the local authority’s datazones fall within the 15% most deprived datazones in Scotland. For the remainder of the PARFF area levels of multiple deprivation are relatively low according to SIMD indicators; however, these may not adequately reflect issues of rural deprivation that affect communities within the PARFF area.

2.6 LEADER

The PARFF area comprises four LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs):

• Argyll and the Islands;

• Forth Valley and Lomond;

• Rural Tayside; and

• Fife (part).

Each of the LAGs has produced a profile of its area describing the social, economic and environmental issues that need to be addressed to improve quality of life in rural communities and promote rural economic development. This provides a strategic framework for development activities with many of these aligning well with the key themes of the SFS.

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3 DELIVERY MECHANISMS

3.1 Introduction

This section identifies the main mechanisms that are used by FCS to deliver activities under the social forestry “umbrella” and relating to delivery of themes 4 and 5. Each mechanism is described and the priorities set out in the current FSF Implementation Plan are identified.

3.2 WIAT & Forestry For People

3.2.1 Introduction

The Conservancy has had 7 WIAT projects, 6 F4P projects and 4 combined projects approved for funding in 2010 and 2011. One additional project is recorded as “under development”. The total amount authorised to date under the two schemes is £223,000 of which:

• WIAT £115,000

• F4P £56,000

• combined projects £52,000

It is not know how this compares with other Conservancies and the relevance of any such comparison has not been considered within the remit of this review.

Projects that include a combination of WIAT (physical works) and F4P (activities and engagement) funding are particularly interesting and commendable, generating not only physical outputs but also the kind of longer term outcomes that can have a significant impact in promoting key policy areas such as improved education, health and quality of life.

3.2.2 WIAT

The Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) programme was established in 2005 and provides the focus for FCS work to improve quality of life in towns and cities. The programme provides challenge funding to create new woodland and to bring neglected woodland back into active management. The programme also supports the creation of improved public access to woodlands and activities designed to help people use and enjoy their local woodland.

The WIAT programme supports activities in woods located within 1km of settlements with a population of over 2,000 people. There are 28 eligible settlements within the PARFF area, ranging from relatively small rural settlements on the west coast through to the major cities of Perth, Stirling and Dundee. In the course of this study 16 of these settlements (57%) have been identified as having one or more WIAT or F4P projects.

Dundee is a particular focal point for WIAT activity with a number of projects already approved and others in development. This is appropriate for the largest city within the PARFF area. The portfolio of Dundee projects includes Ninewells Hospital which is being developed as an exemplar.

At the other end of the spectrum it is noted that the 28 settlements eligible for WIAT funding house only around 60% of the total population within the PARFF area. A significant number of smaller communities therefore exist for whom WIAT funding is not accessible.

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For 2010-11 the priorities for FCS have been to develop and launch a network of key WIAT sites and publish a progress report on the first 5 years of the scheme. The potential role of WIAT in supporting delivery of the Scottish government’s climate change and economic regeneration priorities will be explored

During the year 2009-10 FCS reported the development and delivery of an “innovative two-day course in urban woodland design ...aimed at local authorities and other organisations with responsibility for woodlands intended for active use by local communities”. There is no record of how successful this course was or the extent to which organisations within the PARFF area participated.

3.2.3 Forestry For People

The Forestry For People (F4P) challenge fund covers all of Scotland, including WIAT areas. The fund supports local involvement in woodland projects designed to promote health, learning and stronger communities.

Project examples include the establishment of walking initiatives, development of natural play areas, delivery of rehabilitation programmes in woodlands, the development of CPD programmes for teachers, the establishment of volunteer groups and the development of green exercise and other not-for-profit initiatives. Project proposals need to align with and aid delivery of the relevant FCS strategies, notably the Woods for Health Strategy, Woods for Learning Strategy, and Forest Education Initiative.

3.3 FCS SEEEDCORN Funding

Within the PARFF area FCS has a seedcorn fund of £35,000 p.a. available ease the administrative burden on community groups seeking relatively small amounts of funding for Forestry for People projects. The table below indicates the nature of projects that have been supported over the past 3 years.

Activity % of annual spend

08/09 09/10 10/11

Orchards etc 9 28 17

Festivals and events 44 30 21

FEI related 7 3 7

Biodiversity 10 22 21

Woodland grazing 5 10

Farm woods 6

NW Mull Comm 4

Ali Energy 12 5 6

Woodland plans/research etc 11 11 1

Misc/promo materials etc 2 1 7

Total 100 100 100

Looking to the future it is expected that there will be continuing change in the profile of projects being supported as new sources of grant support come on stream amongst the various public sector funding providers. So, for example, SEEDCORN funding for orchards, community growing projects, key events and FEI initiatives is

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expected to decline as alternative sources have now been established for these activities. With other changes also expected, this will open the door for a limited number of other community initiatives to be supported.

3.4 National Forest Land Scheme

The National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS) was established in 2005 and provides opportunities for local communities to acquire land, either through purchase or lease, to meet their local development aspirations.

The FSF Implementation Plan 2010-13 and associated progress report for 2009-10 provides statistics that monitor the level of activity associated with community development including the following indicators:

2007 2008 2009 2010

No. community groups involved in owning or managing woodland

138 n/a n/a n/a

No. of land parcels sold or leased under the NFLS

17 3 2 4

Area of land parcels sold or leased under the NFLS (ha)

877 7 2 134

Of the 26 land parcels sold or leased to date 10 are located within the PARFF area.

Of 25 applications currently in preparation or under consideration (not reflected in the above table) 8 are located within the PARFF area. In addition, one application has been withdrawn.

In order to sustain interest within the PARFF area it will be important to ensure that communities are aware of the scheme and the opportunities it provides. A review of publicity, promotional and networking activity would be helpful to provide direction.

3.5 National Forest Estate

There is a range of opportunities for communities to become involved with activities on the national forest estate through engagement with FES. This may be through either formal or informal agreement. Such opportunities include:

• woodland planning and design;

• woodland management;

• development / delivery of access and interpretation infrastructure and activities;

• conservation activities;

• renewable energy projects;

• woodland related events.

There is no ready access to information on the nature and scale of such activities in the PARFF area or on the way that engagement has been driven. Does FCS adopt a proactive or responsive approach?

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The development of activities relating to the NFE is facilitated by members of FCS staff including a designated lead officer for Community, Recreation and Tourism (CRT) support. Information is not readily available on current activities of this type within the PARFF area.

No performance measures appear to be in operation to guide or prioritise the development of social forestry activities on the NFE.

3.6 Woods For Learning

The FCS education strategy Woods For Learning and its associated action plan provide the framework for activities for the period 2010-2013.

The Forest Education Initiative (FEI) is the main mechanism by which FCS promotes education activities. FEI projects (both cluster and individual projects) are supported mainly through the F4P challenge fund. FCS also employs dedicated staff with responsibility for developing support mechanisms for forest schools and kindergartens and networking events.

The FSF Implementation Plan 2010-13 and associated progress report for 2009-10 provides statistics that monitor the level of activity associated with woodland based learning, as shown in the following table:

2007 2008 2009 2010

No. schools involved in woodland based learning activities

569 461 375 n/a

No. schools providing vocational courses that include forestry related skills

4 13 38 46

% adults / family members attending organised learning activity / event linked to Scottish woodlands in last 12 months

15 n/a 7 n/a

The information provided in the above table may not provide an accurate picture of the level of education activity as anecdotal statements indicate that the number of school visits to woodlands is increasing, although no measure of this is available.

No information is available on the number of projects that relate to the PARFF area or on the nature of outcomes.

This review has identified two areas where FEI cluster initiatives are being supported by the F4P challenge fund: Oban (for the north and west Argyll area); and Auchtermuchty (for north east Fife area). It is unclear whether this reflects the true level of engagement by local authority education departments. At this stage there is no explicit and approved strategy for the development of Forest Education within the PARFF area.

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Also important, although not reflected in the above indicators, is the FCS support for employability training and apprenticeships associated with forestry. It is noted that West Argyll is a recognised centre of excellence for forestry related machine skills and that Falkland Estate is also active in this field. No performance indicators are available.

3.7 Woods For Health

The FCS strategy Woods For Health provides the framework for action over the period 2009-11. The associated Action Plan describes how the strategy will be implemented for the period 2009-2012.

The FSF Implementation Plan 2010-13 and associated progress report for 2009-10 identify the performance indicators that are being used to monitor progress. There is currently only one indicator specifically related to health improvement. All other indicators in the Access and Health section relate to access and recreation.

2007 2008 2009 2010

% of adults who used woodland, forest or tree covered park for exercise at least twice a week in the past four weeks

n/a n/a 10 n/a

No performance measures are available for the PARFF area.

This review has identified four significant health projects within the PARFF area:

• Ninewells Hospital, Dundee – in the past two years a network of paths and cycle track have been created within an area of old and underused woodland, working through the Access for All initiative and the WIAT / F4P schemes; future improvements will include the creation of growing space, an orchard and a relaxation / seating area;

• Murray Royal Hospital, Perth – working through the FCS Branching Out programme a small group of patients has been introduced to the John Muir Award scheme; following success of the pilot project the programme will be continued and also expanded to include other hospitals within the area (Carseview, Dundee and Strathacro, Angus);

• Active Stirling – a daily programme of health walks organised in conjunction with NHS Forth Valley and promoted by some local doctors. Other active walk programmes are being supported through the F4P challenge fund, notably Clackmannanshire “Braveheart” health walks and the Callander “Walk for Wellbeing” project;

• Blarbuie, Lochgilphead.

Further information on these projects is provided in Appendix 5.

The Green Exercise Partnership was established in 2007 as a joint initiative between FCS, SNH and NHS Health Scotland. The initiative was designed “to promote better health and quality of life for people in Scotland through greater use of the outdoors for physical activity and contact with nature”. Green exercise includes:

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• walking and relaxation

• outdoor learning and play

• recreation and sport

• practical conservation

• gardening

• active travel

• rehabilitation and recovery.

Many of these activities could be undertaken in woodlands.

No information is available on activity in PARFF area related to this initiative.

A Better Woodland Walk toolkit was developed in 2009-10 for use on the NFE. The toolkit has been piloted by FCS woodland managers and six long term urban woodland case study sites have been identified. No information is available on activity within the PARFF area.

References have also been identified for a number of other health initiatives although little information is readily available on the nature and scale of activities and there is no indication of projects within the PARFF area:

• active travel to school by green corridors study in progress (with Sustrans);

• accessibility survey and geo-tagged phototrails which detail accessible routes for people with a range of disabilities; development of database of accessible trails;

• work with Healthy Working Lives Award Scheme to increase the number of woodland health walks available in workplaces;

• work with Paths to Health to extend the programme of woodland health walks;

• engagement with local health board/s and CHPs and the development of partnership projects promoting greenspace health and wellbeing;

• GP referral schemes;

• Active Nation 2014 campaign.

3.8 Other Mechanisms

3.8.1 Central Scotland Green Network

The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) is one of 14 national developments specified in the National Planning Framework 2. The aim of this initiative is to deliver “a step change in environmental quality, woodland cover and recreational opportunities” to make Central Scotland “a more attractive place to live and do business, help absorb CO2, enhance biodiversity and promote healthier, more active lifestyles”.

FCS and SNH are joint lead partners in delivery of the CSGN and operate a CSGN Development Fund to stimulate and support early CSGN delivery projects. The initial grant fund distributed £1.35m to support project development and implementation and a further £750,000 is available to support additional projects during 2011-12.

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Objectives of particular relevance to FCS include the creation of a strategic network of woodlands, securing a 50% increase in woodland cover, mitigation of climate change impact, and the encouragement of physical activity to improve health and wellbeing.

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council areas lie within the CSGN area and the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Woodland and Greenspace partnership provides a focus for continuing activity over the next 3 years.

During the first round of grant funding 4 projects were supported within the PARFF area:

• Stirling Green Arc - £75,000 to Stirling Council for the development of proposals for green/blue corridors around the city;

• Forthbank Loop - £20,000 to Active Stirling to undertake site investigations and prepare a masterplan and business plan to create facilities that will enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation and health improvement;

• Green Infrastructure Mapping and Strategy Development - £31,980 to Clackmannanshire Council;

• Gartmorn Dam Green Hub - £24,966 to Clackmannanshire Council for a development study.

There is also direct FCS involvement in the two Clackmannanshire projects.

This is a fair level of engagement with the CSGN initiative, given that the PARFF area represents only a very small part of the CSGN area, both geographically and in terms of population centres. The 4 PARFF projects represent 6% of all grant aided projects by number and 11% by value.

3.8.2 SRDP

Both the WIAT and Forestry for People funds are administered by FCS under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Also within SRDP both Rural Priority and LEADER applications support community forestry activities, with tourism related projects a priority for the PARFF area. FCS development funding may be accessed to help facilitate the development of such applications but no information is available on cases within the PARFF area where such support has been provided.

3.9 Other Activities

3.9.1 Diversity and Equality

FCS is in the course of preparing a national strategy to promote engagement with minority and ethnic groups. Within the PARFF area this may identify opportunities to work particularly with migrant workers, especially those with a strong forest culture.

The diversity and equality strategy will promote the creation of local links to help research the preferences of equality and diversity groups in relation to accessing woodland services.

3.9.2 Local Authorities

FCS provides guidance and support to local authorities and others in the development of forestry and woodland strategies.

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3.9.3 Partnerships

A number of significant partnership initiatives are located within the PARFF area, which FCS engages with in various ways to promote social forestry interests, notably:

• Falkland Estate - FCS / Falkland Estate / CWA joint initiative to develop a centre for expertise in community involvement and management of woodlands as a national exemplar of good practice (for more information see Appendix 5);

• Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, part funded by FCS to provide and promote opportunities for access and recreation throughout the Perth and Kinross Council area; activities include a number of woodland related projects – Big Tree Country, Ancient Tree Hunt, Historic Orchards;

• Fife Coast & Countryside Trust – an initiative to promote forests as an access resource; a current project involving FCS is the North East Fife Orchards project;

• Mull and Iona Community Trust – FCS grant support provided towards cost of Ranger services;

• Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – LL&TNP work with a number of

community groups to develop community action plans, some of which have identified community woodlands and access routes as key projects. FCS work in partnership with the communities to help deliver those schemes that are located on NFE land.

3.9.4 Community Consultation

Reference has been found to FCS engagement with the Scottish Rural Network as a means of promoting community woodland projects. Within the PARFF area the SRN website has been used on a number of occasions to publicise forthcoming events.

3.9.5 Exemplars

A number of exemplar projects are identified in various FCS documents, notably in relation to health and education projects. One of these – Ninewells Hospital – is located within the PARFF area.

4 ASSESSMENT

4.1 Overview of Social Forestry Activity

Information supplied by FCS in the course of this study indicates that the organisation has been involved in 69 social forestry projects across the PARFF area in recent years:

• 33 projects have led to formal or informal agreements covering activities on the NFE;

• 18 projects have been supported by the WIAT and/or F4P schemes; and

• 18 projects have been, or are being taken forward through the NFLS.

Appendix 6 shows the spread of these different delivery mechanisms across the main settlements within the PARFF area.

There remains the possibility that additional projects may exist that have not yet been captured by the research data.

Appendix 7 provides an alphabetical list of all the social forestry projects identified within the PARFF area. There are 75 projects in total, of which 69 have engaged with FCS. Of the remainder, 6 projects have been undertaken independently and appear to be progressing without any involvement by FCS.

Appendix 8 shows the location of all 75 projects. (Note: Where more than one project has been undertaken in a single location these are represented by a single marker).

Appendix 9 shows the distribution of projects by main FCS support mechanism and also the location of projects that have no FCS involvement.

Appendix 10 is an overlay of Appendix 9 flagging up the main settlements within the area that are not recorded as having any social forestry project. This map should be taken as indicative rather than definitive as the relationship between projects and beneficiaries is not always clear from the research data. In addition to those settlements flagged on the map there may be others where the level of activity is very low in relation to the settlement size.

4.2 Geographic Distribution

Social forestry activity is generally well spread across the whole of the PARFF area with hotspots of activity in locations where there is either a high level of community engagement or a particular interest within the local authority, for example:

• there are particularly active communities in the north of Mull and on the Cowal peninsula, with numerous community led projects taking place in these areas;

• Dundee and Angus Councils are both very active in developing woodland projects.

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4.3 FCS Support Mechanisms

4.3.1 Formal / Informal Agreements on NFE

A total of 33 social forestry projects have been identified within the PARFF area for which formal / informal agreements with FCS appear to be an important support mechanism. These projects appear to be well distributed across the whole of the PARFF area, indicating that staff within all three Forest Districts are engaging constructively with their local communities.

The type of activities currently being supported by this mechanism includes:

• volunteer parties for conservation and access improvement work;

• education projects;

• skills development and training for woodland management work; and

• walking activities.

The present research study has not included any direct contact with communities and it is therefore not possible to comment on the quality and effectiveness of joint working between communities and FCS.

4.3.2 WIAT / Forests For People

A total of 18 projects have been identified as receiving WIAT and/or F4P funding support. These are located in 16 of the 28 eligible settlements within the PARFF area.

Engagement appears to be strongest in the eastern settlements, although this is inevitable given the larger number of sizeable communities compared to the west, where many settlements fall below the size threshold for the WIAT scheme.

Settlements which do not yet have any engagement with the WIAT and F4P schemes are:

• Stirling

• St Andrews

• Cupar

• Dunblane

• Crieff

• Brechin

• Campbeltown

• Rothesay

• Auchterarder

• Pitlochry

• Coupar Angus

Of these settlements only Campbeltown and Rothesay are located in the west of the PARFF area.

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An additional factor to be considered is the scale, quality and “connectedness” of the portfolio of WIAT / F4P projects that are being undertaken and whether this is being maximised. It has not been possible within the present study to compare these factors against any baseline data for WIAT / F4P projects nationally. However, it is noted that:

• the largest settlements within the PARFF area appear to have a weak engagement with the schemes:

o Dundee has submitted a number of project proposals but these have been of poor quality and taken some time to develop;

o Stirling does not have any WIAT/F4P projects;

o Perth has just one F4P project and no WIAT project.

• within the Angus Burghs WIAT project resources are spread across the area’s four main towns;

• the F4P projects appear to focus on education (FEI) and health activities and there may be scope for networking these projects to raise awareness, strengthen outcomes and replicate good practice.

It would appear, therefore, that there remains considerable potential for the development of additional projects under these schemes. The best means of achieving this needs to be identified and may include, for example, more active promotion of the schemes, clarification and/or improvement of the application process and/or provision of more hands-on support for project development.

4.3.3 National Forest Land Scheme

A total of 18 projects have been identified within the PARFF area as receiving or seeking support through the NFLS. This is a strong performance within the national scheme.

16 of the 18 projects are located within small rural communities in the Argyll and Bute Council area. Of the remaining two projects one has now withdrawn from the scheme (Blairgowrie) leaving only a single project, at Callander, outwith Argyll and Bute.

In considering the potential for further uptake of the scheme issues that could be considered include:

• the potential for promoting the scheme further in Argyll and Bute given the extent of the NFE in West Argyll and the Cowal peninsula and the evident interest amongst smaller communities;

• the potential for promoting the scheme within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area given the role of the National Park in promoting sustainable development and community development;

• the potential for promoting the scheme in the north of the PARFF area:

o north Perth & Kinross (Aberfeldy / Pitlochry / Blair Atholl / Blairgowrie);

o Loch Rannoch / Glen Lyon;

o Angus Glens.

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4.4 Woods For Learning

It is difficult with the information supplied to make any assessment of progress being made within the PARFF area against the objectives of the Woods for Learning strategy. Although some performance indicators are identified (section 3.7 above) achievements are not reported at conservancy level and it is therefore impossible to identify activities, outputs and outcomes within the PARFF area.

4.5 Woods For Health

The position is identical to that described in para 4.4 above. Performance indicators are identified in section 3.8.

4.6 Central Scotland Green Network

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council areas lie within the CSGN boundary.

To date four planning and development projects have received CSGN grant support within the PARFF area (two each in Stirling and Clackmannanshire); these will provide a solid foundation for the development of a suite of practical projects relating to woodlands which FCS would wish to engage with and support.

4.7 SRDP Rural Priorities

Information is required on projects supported through SRDP. It is understood that these include social forestry projects such as the Carse of Gowrie Initiative on historic orchards.

APPENDIX 1

MAP OF PERTH & ARGYLL CONSERVANCY AREA

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Appendix 1 : Map of Perth & Argyll Conservancy Area

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APPENDIX 2

BACKGROUND TO SOCIAL FORESTRY

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Appendix 2 : Background to Social Forestry

It is difficult to identify a standard and accepted definition of the term “social forestry”.

The concept of community forestry was introduced by the FAO in the late 1970’s as a mechanism for supporting and encouraging rural development, in particular by improving the links between agriculture and forestry such that the twin needs of the developing world for sustainable energy resources and food production could be more effectively met.

In 1978 the Eighth World Forestry Congress was devoted to the theme “Forests for People”, thereby increasing international awareness and support for community forestry and its three main objectives at that time:

• the provision of fuel and other goods to meet the basic needs of rural households and communities;

• support for sustainable food production; and

• the generation of income and employment opportunities in rural areas.

The aim was primarily to address issues of rural poverty and to promote self reliance.

The term “social forestry” developed concurrently, being first used in 1976 in India to describe projects involving the creation of new woodlands on unused and fallow land, with the purpose of relieving pressure on existing forests. The term was therefore initially used to describe a subset of community forestry projects, although over time the accepted scope of social forestry has expanded to include:

• improving the environment, protecting agriculture from adverse climatic factors;

• increasing the supply of woodfuel for domestic use, small timber for rural housing, fodder for livestock and minor forest produce for local industries;

• increasing the natural beauty of the landscape and creating recreational forests for rural and urban people;

• providing jobs for unskilled workers;

• land rehabilitation; and

• raising the standard of living and improving quality of life for both rural and urban people.

In December 2000 the Forestry Commission held a seminar on social forestry to review the social forestry agenda in the UK and consider related research requirements. In particular the seminar sought to build on discussions at the 1998 Lisbon Conference on the protection of forests in Europe which highlighted the socio-economic benefits of sustainable forest management and the importance of effective public participation in forest planning and management. By the year 2000 the Forestry Commission was engaging with a number of community groups across the UK but was aware of the need for a more structured approach to policy formulation in this area.

A Forestry for People Panel was established in 2000 to help guide Forestry Commission policy development. This group identified four main themes relevant to the development of social forestry:

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Appendix 2 : Background to Social Forestry

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• Development:

o forestry jobs; local processing; tourism; non-timber products;

• Recreation & Access:

o walkers; cyclists; dog walking; wildlife watching;

• Quality of Life:

o views; health (exercise, pollution, stress relief); habitat protection; seasonal changes;

• Participation & Awareness:

o consultation; community woodlands; education; social inclusion.

These themes have subsequently been developed as part of the Scottish Forestry Strategy where they now form an integral part of the Community Development, Education and Lifelong Learning; and Access and Health policy framework. The Forestry for People Panel produced its final report in 2005.

Forest Research has produced a framework for the evaluation of social forestry initiatives that is based on these themes. A report “The Economic and Social Contribution of Forestry for People in Scotland” was produced in 2008 and presents the findings of a two year programme of quantitative and qualitative research. The evaluation framework comprises 30 indicators that measure performance against 7 “forestry for people” themes:

• employment and volunteering;

• contribution to the economy;

• recreation and accessibility;

• learning and education;

• health and well-being;

• culture and landscape;

• community capacity.

In parallel with the development of social forestry policies and activities by the Forestry Commission, a strong community woodland network has emerged in Scotland since the mid-90’s, fostered and supported in some cases by FCS and in others by a peer network for which Reforesting Scotland has been an important figurehead. In 2003 Reforesting Scotland produced a review of the sector, describing its development and proposing a vision for its future.

The aspirations of this network are described on the RS website as follows:

“Community woodlands have become an important new force for change in Scotland. Groups are setting up across the country, to realise new opportunities for local recreation, education and employment. This grassroots movement has already started to deliver government policy in areas including life-long learning, social inclusion and sustainable development. The potential is enormous, and the movement could grow to play a major role in delivering government aspirations for a more inclusive, sustainable society.”

APPENDIX 3

SCOTTISH FORESTRY STRATEGY OUTCOMES

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Appendix 3 : Scottish Forestry Strategy Outcomes

3.1 : Community Development Performance Indicators

Indicator Comment Base Performance FCS Role

Number of schools involved in woodland based learning activities

Schools include state and private nursery, primary and secondary. The indicator captures only activity that is supported directly by FCS.

(Sally York)

2,769 schools in Scotland

.......... schools in PARFF area

= .........%

Scotland PARFF

No. %

2007 569

2008 461

2009 375

FEI

Number of community group partnerships involved in owning or managing woodland

Mechanisms include full ownership, management agreement, lease, or an informal arrangement.

(Bob Frost)

Survey work by Reforesting Scotland (2002), Forest Research (2007) and in future by CWA.

Scotland PARFF

No. %

2002 51

2007 138

2010

FES Management Agreements?

NFLS?

??

Number of schools providing vocational courses that include forestry related skills

Secondary schools providing Skills for Work Rural Skills and the Scottish Progression Award in Rural Skills courses with a vocational forestry component.

(James Ogilvie)

Baseline figure provided by LANTRA through survey of schools identified via SQA as offering these courses.

Scotland PARFF

No. %

2006/7 4

2007/8 13

2008/9 38

2009/10 46

% of adults who attended an organised learning activity or event linked with Scottish woodlands in the past 12 months

(Sally York) Biennial “Scottish Public Opinion of Forestry Survey” carried out by FC Econ & Stats Unit

Scotland PARFF

% %

2005 10

2007 15

2009 7

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% of adults who have heard or read about Scottish woodlands in the past 12 months

Respondents who selected at least one of a set of topics on Scottish forests, woods or trees that they had heard, seen or read about on the television, radio or in newspapers.

(James Ogilvie)

Biennial “Scottish Public Opinion of Forestry Survey” carried out by FC Econ & Stats Unit

Scotland PARFF

% %

2005 26

2007 58

2009 44

Number and area of land parcels sold or leased under the National Forest Land Scheme

A mechanism to facilitate the acquisition of National Forest Estate land by community groups.

(Bob Frost)

FCS database. Sale or lease completed in the relevant year. Encompasses: community acquisition; affordable housing; woodland crofts; sponsored sale of surplus land.

Scotland PARFF

No. %

2006/7 17

2007/8 3

2008/9 2

2009/10 4

NFLS

Independent satisfaction rating of community partnerships on the national forest estate

The % surveyed who answered “yes, completely” or “so far but more to do” to the question “do the activities and achievements of the community-FCS partnership meet your organisation’s expectations of the partnership?”

(Bob Frost)

2006 survey undertaken by consultant. 2009 and future surveys by CWA.

Scotland PARFF

% %

2006 82

2009 72

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3.2 : Access and Health Performance Indicators


% of the population with accessible woodland >2ha within 0.5km of their home

Based on Woodland Trust’s Space for People Woodland Access Standard.

(Kevin Lafferty)

Woodland Trust survey and ground truthing. Triennial.

Scotland PARFF

% %

2006 23

2009 28

% of the population with accessible woodland >20ha within 4km of their home

Based on Woodland Trust’s Space for People Woodland Access Standard.

(Kevin Lafferty)

Woodland Trust survey and ground truthing. Triennial.

Scotland PARFF

% %

2006 68

2009 83

% of adults (16 yrs+) who visited woodland in previous 12 months

It is difficult to determine the cause of variation from year to year.

(Kevin Lafferty)


Scotland PARFF

% %

2005 50

2007 72

2009 57

Number of visits to national forests (Kevin Laffety) FES All Forest Visitor Survey with baseline calculated over 3 year period to March 2007.

Scotland PARFF

No. No.

2007 8.7m

Number and length of Core Paths in woodlands

Core path data is held by individual LAs. During 2009 the FCS CGIS team collected geospatial data for analysis. Base data to be available 2010.

(Kevin Lafferty)

FCS using data from LAs. Latest progress report indicates data not available until 2012.

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28


% satisfaction with woodland recreation provision

% of respondents who answered “good” or “very good” to a question asking them to rate the provision of woodland recreation opportunities in Scotland.

(Kevin Lafferty)


Scotland PARFF

% %

2007 58

% of people who used woodland, forest or tree covered parks for exercise at least twice per week in the last four weeks.

(Kevin Lafferty) Scottish Government Scottish Health Survey. Base data analysed by FC Econ & Stats Unit.

Scotland PARFF

% %

2009 10

Number of volunteer days associated with woodland activity.

A volunteer day comprises 6.5 hours of volunteer work as part of an organised activity for a third party eg BTCV, FCS or a local community group.

(James Ogilvie)

Baseline provided through Forest Research survey of forestry for people activities. Triennial.

Scotland PARFF

No. No.

2007 47,444

APPENDIX 4

INDICATIVE FORESTRY STRATEGIES

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Appendix 4 : Indicative Forestry Strategies

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4.1 Argyll and Bute

A draft Woodland and Forestry Strategy was produced by LUC in early 2010 for Argyll and Bute Council with the public consultation period ending in September 2010. The Strategy is a comprehensive document that addresses a range of very current issues, identifying regional development priorities against each of the themes of the SFS and providing a supporting action plan for each theme.

The draft Strategy recognises the importance of social forestry in helping to build more sustainable communities in an area that is highly rural in character and has a population base dispersed in many small settlements across a large land area. Delivery of the SFS in an appropriate way can offer these communities a range of benefits, from the economic (training, employment and business opportunities) through environmental (climate change, landscape improvement, biodiversity enhancement) to social (community development, education, recreation and health).

A number of good practice examples are drawn from the Strategy and reproduced in Appendix 5. Overall the document provides a valuable link between the national SFS and delivery at the local level, identifying key delivery mechanisms and partnerships.

As at March 2011 the draft Strategy is with the Council for finalising, approval and publication.

4.2 Clackmannanshire and Stirling

The Clackmannanshire and Stirling Structure Plan (2002) is supplemented by an Indicative Forestry Strategy, produced in 2004. The IFS identifies three preferred areas for forestry: Thornhill, Plean and Clackmannanshire to the east of Alloa.

Stirling Council has also produced an Urban Woodland Strategy (2006) and associated Action Plan (2009). These documents have a less clear relationship with the SFS although supporting background reports have not been reviewed as part of our current work and these may contain further detail.

In October 2010 Stirling Council approved a report “Management of Stirling’s Trees and Woods – A Way Forward” which builds on the Stirling City Urban Woodland Report and on work being undertaken by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Woodland and Greenspace Partnership established in 2007.

4.3 Perth and Kinross

The Perth and Kinross Structure Plan (2003) is supplemented by the Tayside Indicative Forestry Strategy (2006). The IFS recognises the value of woodland and forestry activity in supporting rural development and delivering a range of socio-economic benefits, identifying a number of objectives:

Community Development

• promote community involvement in forestry;

• promote forestry in the green belt and around settlements to enhance the environment;

• promote opportunities for recreation.


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Local Economic Development

• promote better quality timber production;

• support employment in forestry activities;

• promote the use of wood as a renewable fuel;

• promote the tourism benefits of forestry.

Sustainable Environment

• enhance landscape character, especially around settlements;

• promote the management and expansion of native woodlands;

• protect water quality;

• promote biodiversity;

• promote carbon sequestration.

A revised Perth & Kinross Woodland and Forestry Strategy has recently been produced and it is expected that this will be put out to consultation in October 2011 and finalised by March 2012.

4.4 Fife

The Fife Indicative Forestry Strategy is currently under development, with action now being integrated with that for the Lothians through the recently restructured Lothians and Fife Green Network Partnership.

4.5 Angus

A draft Angus Local Woods and Forestry Framework has recently been produced and the consultation period has finished. The document is with the Council for finalising, approval and publication.

4.6 TAYplan

TAYplan is the Strategic Development Planning Authority for Dundee, Perth, Angus and North Fife. A draft Strategic Development Plan and associated Action Programme and related documents have been prepared and these were approved by the Joint Committee in February 2011. The documents include plans for forestry.

4.7 Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

The LLTNP Local Woodland and Forestry Framework was produced in 2003 and seeks to maximise the contribution of woodland and forestry to the aims of the National Park, for example through the creation of improved landscapes, the development of access and recreation opportunities for local communities and visitors, improved awareness and appreciation of woodland heritage and increased economic activity, including higher levels of local community involvement in woodland and forestry activities.


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The Framework includes commitments to:

• promote greater community involvement in the planning, management and ownership of local woodlands;

• rekindle the area’s woodland and forestry culture, focusing on the Forest Parks;

• expand the Forest Education Initiative cluster to cover the entire National Park area.

A number of geographic Action Areas are identified, indicating the nature of opportunities within each area. A number of these relate to social forestry, notably the development and promotion of recreation facilities and walking routes to generate economic benefits for local businesses and communities; also for the localisation of timber contracting, processing and haulage.

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APPENDIX 5

CASE STUDIES WITHIN PARFF AREA

Appendix 5 : Case Studies Within PARFF Area

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The following five examples are drawn from the Argyll and Bute Draft Woodland and Forestry Strategy and demonstrate the potential for community groups to be involved in the delivery of not only the SFS themes of Community Development and Access and Health, but also other strands of the strategy such as Climate Change, Environmental Quality and Biodiversity. The Argyll and Bute Strategy even identifies a community benefit component of the Timber strand in relation to the role of the Argyll Green Woodworkers group in promoting use of local hardwoods to create products and generate income, employment and training opportunities.

EXAMPLE OF GOOD PRACTICE : CLIMATE CHANGE

The wider application of renewable energy from a range of sources is a key tenet of the Scottish Government’s approach to mitigating climate change. While Argyll and Bute is already making a major contribution through commercial-scale wind and hydro-electric generation, the area’s woodlands and forests have the potential to make a significant contribution through a range of woodfuel initiatives.

Assisting the development of the biomass sector is a key strand of this strategy, and represents a major opportunity for forestry to contribute to the mitigation of climate change and to the alleviation of fuel poverty.

Glenshellach Community Heating Scheme

Lead Partner: Highlands and Islands Community Enterprise

Summary

This project entailed the installation of a 650kW biomass-fuelled district heating system, supplying 89 homes in Oban built and owned by the West Highland Housing Association (WHHA). Eliminating fuel poverty for tenants – widespread amongst residents in older properties in Oban – was a critical aim for WHHA in the adoption of biomass technology. The Glenshellach site was not connected to the Oban area gas network, and more traditional oil, solid fuel or electric storage heating options were judged unsuitable for the likely tenant group.

Benefits

• Providing comfortable modern homes that are affordable to run – low-cost energy (4.4p/kWh) and use of Smart Card meters to limit potential for bad debt and fuel poverty

• Displacing use of natural gas as fuel – reducing carbon emissions both at point of combustion, as woodfuel is near carbon neutral, and through use of local supply chains (vs. long distance road haulage of gas to the Oban area satellite grid)

• High profile, award-winning8 project has drawn considerable attention from both within and outside Argyll and Bute

• Important capacity-building ‘pathfinder’ role – allowing subsequent initiatives to learn from partners’ experience in project design, equipment specification and fuel supply issues

• Encouraging, along with other existing woodfuel users in Argyll and Bute, the development of local supply networks

Finance

Total costs of around £635,000: funding provided by Communities Scotland, Fresh Futures, Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme, WHHA and commercial lending.


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EXAMPLE OF GOOD PRACTICE : COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

North West Mull Community Woodland Company

Summary

The North West Mull Community Woodland Company is a community company with charitable status, set up to manage the 691ha Langamull and West Ardhu woodlands.

Benefits

Purchased by the community through the National Forest Land Scheme in 2006, the business and woodlands are managed to contribute to community benefits including:

• Provision of affordable housing

• Improved access to and appreciation of forest environments

• Creating and developing business opportunities, particularly in forestry sector

• Use of woodlands as an educational resource

• Sourcing and organising training in essential forestry skills for local people

MWMCWC has also been a key partner in a project to enable access to previously ‘landlocked’ timber resources in north west Mull through a Strategic Timber Transport Scheme-funded forest road project. It involved the creation of 13km of haul road, the construction of three bridges and the upgrading of 3km of public road in Glen Aros. NWMCWC will also funded internal roads within its two plantations. This initiative was vital to safeguarding the future of the Company and it is estimated that output from the previously landlocked area may total in excess of 600,000 tonnes during the next 20 years.

Funding

Community fundraising, Big Lottery Fund, Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Robertson Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, interest-free loan

EXAMPLE OF GOOD PRACTICE : ACCESS AND HEALTH

Blarbuie Woodland Project

Partners: Reforesting Scotland, NHS Argyll and Clyde, Argyll Green Woodworkers Association, Scottish Native Woods, Lochgilphead Community Council

Summary

The Blarbuie Woodland Project is an innovative project developed by a partnership which includes Lochgilphead Community Council, Reforesting Scotland, Scottish Association of Mental Health, Argyll Green Woodworkers Association, and National Health Service. The group drew together funding from a wide range of sources to help create a woodland area that promoted access, and in particular understanding through interpretation, and provided a habitat for a range of flora and fauna.

Benefits

The location of the woodland, beside Argyll and Bute hospital, has encouraged patients in the hospital to use the area. The site is also used by people from all over Lochgilphead and beyond.

• Bringing into management neglected woodland (grounds of psychiatric hospital)

• Enhancing conservation and biodiversity value of woodland area – particularly for red squirrel

• Improving access and contributing to social inclusion objectives

• Improving environmental quality and providing health benefits to hospital patients and Lochgilphead residents

• Garden project, based at the hospital and managed by the Scottish Association for Mental Health, provides horticultural training for patients and other unemployed people – leading to SVQ qualifications

• Access improvement projects enable use by less mobile visitors and patients, and creates links to wider path network, improving use and appreciation of the site

Funding

Forestry Commission Scotland; Scottish Natural Heritage; West Highland LEADER; Robertson Trust; Allen Lane Foundation; Scottish Government; Scottish Community Fund; community fundraising


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EXAMPLE OF GOOD PRACTICE : ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Dalriada Project

Partners including: Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and the Islands LEADER and Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, Kilmartin House Museum, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.

Summary

The project is a Landscape Partnership Scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the above partners and administered by a small project team – the Dalriada Project Company. The project area covers 296km2 of Mid Argyll that includes, North Knapdale, Kilmartin Glen as far north as Carnassarie Castle, the Crinan Canal Corridor and Kilmichael Glassary. Focussing on enhancing the area’s unique natural heritage and historic environment, the project is delivering 10 initiatives to promote understanding and enjoyment of these assets. These have delivered significant landscape-scale benefits which will provide a lasting legacy and an important resource for local people and visitors alike.

Benefits

Natural Heritage and Landscapes Programme

• Enhancing biodiversity values of open ground habitats within forest environments, using traditional grazing animals – mimicking patterns found in areas of ancient wood pasture

• Improving edge and transition habitats for key species – notably black grouse

• 113 ha of open habitats over 5 sites restored for key LBAP habitats and species.

• Training workshops for land managers and interested groups held.

• Up to 20 volunteers trained.

• 6 community and family events to increase knowledge and interest in local biodiversity and the identification of species.

• 113 ha of grazing available for local graziers over 5 sites.

Built and Cultural Heritage Programme

• Training and resourcing, with specialist partners, volunteers to record, interpret and present the area’s rich and often internationally significant historic environment

• 20 volunteers recruited and trained to take part in survey work.

• 3 training days organised and run for volunteers.

• 3 walk over surveys of approximately 50 ha carried out.

• Up to 5 archaeological digs carried out.

• Up to 5 sites consolidated and public access facilitated.

• Relevant findings incorporated into interpretative materials.

Funding

Heritage Lottery Fund; Forestry Commission Scotland; Scottish Natural Heritage; British Waterways (Scotland); Argyll and Bute Council; Argyll and Islands LEADER; Argyll and the Islands Enterprise


EXAMPLE OF GOOD PRACTICE : BIODIVERSITY

Mull Eagle Watch

Partners: Forestry Commission Scotland; RSPB; Scottish Natural Heritage; Strathclyde Police; Mull and Iona Community Trust

Summary

Part of the ongoing partnership initiative – begun in 1975 – to reintroduce the whitetailed eagle to its former natural range across Scotland, Mull Eagle Watch is a key local project but with national significance. The FCS conifer forest surrounding Loch Frisa on the Isle of Mull has been a key breeding site for a pair of white-tailed eagles for many years and has been developed into an education and outreach flagship for the wider project. It has involved careful woodland management by FCS, facilitating access to nest sites by research scientists – including the installation of CCTV at nest sites and allowing BBC film crews unique access to film the nesting birds and the wing and GPS tagging activities of RSPB and SNH staff.

Ranger-supervised public access to hides and the ability to view such majestic and elusive raptors at close range has proved a major success, generating income for the project and local good causes. Wider publicity has been secured through the RSPB online tracking of the eagles, enabling the public to engage with the project at home and observe how widely the birds travel. Similarly, coverage on the BBC’s ‘Springwatch’ series has raised the profile of the project and enabled a far wider audience to experience eagle behaviour and understand the rationale behind – and the effort necessary for – species reintroduction.

The forestry sector manages a resource that is fundamental to the success – and in some cases the survival – of some of the UK’s most iconic species. Mull Eagle Watch, and many other projects like it, exemplifies the successes that a partnership approach to conservation and land management can secure. This strategy can therefore play an important role in highlighting the importance of such projects, and assisting the sector in bringing forward further success stories.

Benefits

• Safeguarding and enhancing key breeding site and territory for white-tailed eagles

• Exemplar of the strength of partnership working

• Highlights the importance of ‘commercial’ conifers for important species

• Drawing national attention to the project, and the importance of well planned and managed species reintroduction programmes

• Providing and managing public access to otherwise ‘off-limits’ breeding sites

• Enabling online tracking of named fledglings – an invaluable educational resource and an effective means of enabling people to ‘buy into’ the project

• Creation of a ‘White-tailed eagle information officer’ post to assist in education, outreach and liaison activities

Funding

RSPB Scotland; Scottish Natural Heritage; Forestry Commission Scotland; Mull and Iona Community Trust

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Falkland Estate

Falkland estate trustees and advisors have been working closely with Hill Holt woods in Lincolnshire to develop a woodland stewardship model that would apply to social forestry in Scotland. The social enterprise will deliver

1. Training in Forestry

2. Active woodland management

3. Product development

4. Work experience and opportunities

5. Forest education

6. A central point of expertise for replication of the business model

7. Long term vision of handing over the management and ownership of the woodlands to the surrounding community.

The project has advanced beyond the development phase, and training/taster days have been had with military and ex military personnel. These training days are designed to help military personnel get back into main stream employment once their service time is up, and to also help integrate them into society. It is an evolving project and one that will hopefully lead to an increase in the numbers of forestry contractors and also rural employment.

Ninewells Hospital Ninewells hospital hosts over 50 million people movements/yr. This figure includes daily staff movements, visitors, patients etc. It is the largest NHS hospital north of the Central belt and provides specialist units to support the northern NHS boards. The hospital was built in the late 1970’s and has been expanded since. It was built on farm land that was part of Invergowrie estate, and the old woodland of Invergowrie House (evident on Roy’s map) remained. This woodland was identified as an underutilised resource (unless you were a smoker) and over the last 2 years the site has been transformed with a network of Access for All paths created, seating installed and site interpretation completed. The first part of the site works included a new cycle path to link the western part of Dundee with the city. Further works identified for the site include a ‘working garden’ area within the woodland on a site cleared of trees to allow for helicopter access. This garden will provide growing spaces for oncology and psychiatric patients, an orchard for biodiversity and to promote healthy eating, and an area of medicinal plants with seating for relaxation. It will be open to all to visit. A ministerial opening of the woodland is planned for September 2011. Murray Royal The Murray Royal hospital in Perth is managed by NHS and is concerned with the welfare of people with a variety of mental health issues. Working with the Occupational Therapists we helped to deliver a short programme that introduced a small group of patients to the John Muir awards. Over the space of 8 weeks, 8 patients were taken to the neighbouring woods with one of the Perth and Kinross rangers and were introduced to woodcrafts, lighting fires etc. The improvement to their well being and confidence was recorded and the programme is now being repeated, but will include 3 Mental health units – Murray Royal (Perth), Carseview (Dundee- Ninewells) and Stracathro (Angus). The plan is to use the FCS Branching Out programme and to monitor the success of the programme. Ultimately, NHS Tayside would like to employ their own Ranger to provide this training programme. In the short term, they will rely on the goodwill of Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus ranger services.

38


39

Active Stirling Active Stirling have worked with NHS Forth valley to deliver regular health walks with primarily the Stirling area, although they do support occasional walks within Clacks and Falkirk. The walks take place on a daily basis (25 identified routes to choose from) and are generally up to 3 miles in length, using easy to moderate terrain. They are led by walk volunteers and also leaders employed by Active Stirling. Some Doctors promote these walks to patients, but GP referral is not supported by all practices, a barrier that is yet to be broken down. Other areas have promoted health walks, and Dundee has a dedicated ranger to deal with patient recovery. In order to develop more widely the Active walk programme needs to be endorsed at a higher level either/both within the NHS and by ministers. The benefits that can be derived and the increase times for patient recovery are well documented.

APPENDIX 6

LIST OF SETTLEMENTS WITHIN PARFF AREA

40

Appendix 6 : List of Settlements Within PARFF Area

Settlement Local Authority Population* NFE WIAT/F4P NFLS Project Ref No/s

(Appendix 7)

Notes

Dundee Dundee City Council 152,320 1 3 - 25, 47, 56, 66 Includes Newport on Tay

Stirling Stirling 45,750 - - -

Perth Perth & Kinross 44,820 1 1 - 44, 59 F4P Education project

Alloa Clackmannanshire 29,020 - 2 - 17, 12 F4P Health project

Arbroath * Angus 22,110 - - -

St Andrews Fife 16,680 - - -

Helensburgh Argyll & Bute 15,590 - 2 - 16, 61 Both projects Rosneath & Clynder

Forfar * Angus 13,430 - 1 - 2 Project covering all Angus towns *

Montrose * Angus 12,090 - - -

Carnoustie * Angus 10,780 - - -

Dunoon Argyll & Bute 9,450 1 1 2 43, 26, 30, 3 WIAT/F4P project is in development, not approved (No26)

Cupar Fife 8,980 - - -

Dunblane Stirling 8,940 - - -

Blairgowrie Perth & Kinross 8,310 1 1 1 1, 10, 9 NFLS project now withdrawn (No9)

Oban Argyll & Bute 8,120 - 2 - 5, 57 Both FEI cluster projects

Crieff Perth & Kinross 7,470 2 - - 19, 20

Brechin Angus 7,070 1 - - 50

41

Appendix 6 : List of Settlements Within PARFF Area

42

Settlement Local Authority Population* NFE WIAT/F4P NFLS Project Ref No/s

(Appendix 7)

Notes

Kirriemuir Angus 5,750 1 1 - 70, 45

Campbeltown Argyll & Bute 4,840 - - -

Rothesay Argyll & Bute 4,830 - - -

Auchterarder Perth & Kinross 4,610 - - -

Callander Stirling 3,100 1 1 1 15, 62, 14 F4P Health project

Pitlochry Perth & Kinross 2,690 1 - - 36

Lochgilphead Argyll & Bute 2,300 - 1 - 11 F4P Health project

Coupar Angus Perth & Kinross 2,190 - - -

Auchtermuchty Fife 2,100 1 1 - 49, 60 Forest Kindergarten (No49)

F4P FEI Project

Falkland Fife 1,180 2 1 - 27, 46, 41

Kinross Fife 940 - - -

Other 16 - 13

TOTAL 29 18 17

* Population as at 2008 : Source GRO

APPENDIX 7

COMMUNITY WOODLAND & SOCIAL FORESTRY PROJECTS

WITHIN PARFF AREA

43

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area

Name Location and Status Activities FCS Support

Measures

1 Alyth Hill Users Group Alyth by Blairgowrie New group – role and remit unclear.

Background of local dispute over Alyth commonty following FCS purchase of Westfield Farm and associated lands in 2007. See Scotland on Sunday 12 Sept 2010

FE formal agreement

2 Angus Burgh Urban Tree Populations

Angus Council Survey of all Council owned urban woodland and computerisation of records to facilitate development of a forest management plan for each of the 7 burgh towns.

WIAT 2009

3 Ardentinny Community Trust

www.ardentinny.org

Ardentinny, Argyll

Company limited by guarantee

Charity

The Trust was reactivated in 2010 as a mechanism for bringing the Glenfinart Walled Garden (1.4ha) into community ownership. The group has a variety of ambitions for the site including allotments, community garden, educational projects, tearoom, and heritage interpretation. The project will also create an additional tourism attraction for the area.

NFLS application to purchase in progress – property declared surplus by FE

4 Argyll Green Woodworkers Association

Kilmartin, Argyll

Charity (not found on OSCR)

AGWA was established in 1994 to encourage interest in woodland skills, research woodland history and ecology, bring native woodlands into management, co-ordinate woodworking demonstration and training and stimulate the use of local timber. The group has constructed a workshop on land owned by FE and currently focuses on the promotion of local woodworking businesses.

AGWA is a partner in delivery of the Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise project (see below)

Informal links with FE for use of timber Formal lease of FE land for workshop

5 North & West Argyll FEI Oban, Argyll

Project to develop the activities of the North & West Argyll FEI cluster group over a three year period. Aims to deliver 18 Forest Schools projects and 18 Outdoor Learning projects. Supported by Argyll & Bute Council.

F4P 2009

6 Ardrishaig Community Trust

www.ardrishaigcommunitytrust.or

Ardrishaig, Argyll Trust established in 2008 to work with partners to regenerate the village. One of four main projects, restoration of the King George V

??

44

http://www.ardentinny.org/

http://www.ardrishaigcommunitytrust.org/


g Company limited by guarantee

Charity

playing field and associated woodland will involve acquisition of the facility from the Council leading to restoration and improvement of both the pitch and woodlands plus the potential development of new recreation facilities including footpaths and cycle trails.

7 Auchterhouse Community Woodland Action Group

Tayside

Constituted group

User group involved in the management and maintenance of local woodlands including Auchterhouse and Balkello woodlands.

Basic written agreement

8 Balmaha Community Council Woodland Group

Community group working with FE at Balmaha Woodland. In 2003 the woodland (79ha) won commendation in the Small Woods category of Scotland’s Finest Woodland Awards run by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society.

Informal agreement – dormant ?

9 Barmaddy Farm, Dalavich

The Galgael Trust

Dalavich, Argyll


Charity

Development of bunkhouse accommodation to provide a venue for GalGael participants to experience a rural lifestyle and develop new skills and interests in support of their personal development and as a means of addressing physical and mental health issues. There is an aspiration also to engage with local groups and individuals experiencing similar issues.

Lease agreement plus ongoing in kind support

10 Blairgowrie & District Next Steps

www.badns.org

Perthshire

Walking Group. Interest expressed in potential purchase for the community of 182ha site at Easter Bleaton, Blairgowrie – FE surplus land.

NFLS interest now withdrawn due to lack of capacity to progress

11 Blairgowrie Riverside

Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust

Perthshire A project to enhance the riverside walk in response to public consultation. Includes tree felling to enhance views along the river. Sits alongside other woodland management and access improvement works being supported through SRDP.

WIAT 2010

12 Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise

Reforesting Scotland

www.reforestingscotland.org/projects/blarbuie.php

Lochgilphead, Argyll Located in the grounds of Argyll and Bute Hospital by Lochgilphead, Blarbuie was started in 2002 as an RS partnership project and was restructured as a social enterprise in 2009, though still led by RS. The aim is to bring the woodlands (c.7 acres) into management, improve and encourage public access, promote timber utilisation and develop a rolling programme of arts and education activities. In 2010 Blarbuie created 1.5 FTE jobs and is also supported by a considerable number of volunteers. Outcomes include training and volunteer development, an enhanced

WIAT 2009 grant £3,630

F4P 2009-10 grant £11,000

Towards cost of developing healthy walking routes

45

http://www.ardrishaigcommunitytrust.org/

http://www.badns.org/

http://www.reforestingscotland.org/projects/blarbuie.php

http://www.reforestingscotland.org/projects/blarbuie.php


environment, plus improved health and well being.

13 Braveheart Association

www.braveheart.uk.net

Clackmannanshire

Charity

Braveheart trains volunteers to support adults with, or at risk of developing, coronary heart disease to lead a healthier life style. Activities (self help groups, mentoring, walking programmes) are organised in non-clinical settings

F4P grant £39,360

Towards cost of developing health walks in local woodlands

14 Bute Community Land Company

www.buteforest.com

Rothesay, Isle of Bute


Charity

Company established 2009 to enable the purchase of Rhubodach Forest on open market for the benefit of the Bute community. The purchase of a section of the forest (161ha) was completed in July 2010 and will be developed for walking, cycling, recreation, conservation and as a source of employment and training opportunities. There is also mention of a hydro scheme. The Company is also developing non-woodland projects including the Brandish Bute shop selling local products.

15 Callander Community Development Trust

www.callandercdt.org.uk

Callander, Perthshire

Company

Charity

Trust established 2003 to undertake practical projects for the benefit of the people of Callander. A volunteer organisation.

Hydro project under development to be located on FE land at Stank Glen

Potential NFLS application for lease of FE land

16 Callander Woodland Link Callander, Perthshire Group established to develop local FE woodlands to benefit both the community and visitors. Partners include LLTNP, Callander Community Council, Callander Historical Society, Callander Community Trust, Callander Youth Project

FE comprehensive written agreement to 2013

17 Clachan Glen (East) Rosneath, Argyll

Project undertaken by landowner in close co-operation with Rosneath & Clynder Community Action Trust who are developing an adjoining area (see below). This project expands the area of woodland under management and extends and improves public access.

WIAT 2009

18 Clackmannanshire – Arnsbrae Wood and Gean Wood

Clackmannanshire Council

Arnsbrae: aims to bring the “ornamental pleasure ground” back into positive management for public benefit improving the woodlands, public access and biodiversity. Located between Alloa and Tullibody.

Gean: project aims as for Arnsbrae. This site is located in the same residential area as Arnsbrae and includes woodland, a pond

WIAT 2010

46

http://www.braveheart.uk.net/

http://www.buteforest.com/

http://www.callandercdt.org.uk/


and grassed parkland.

19 Clatto Community Woodland

www.clatto.org.uk

Fife Group established in 2006 to manage “The Gateway” area of ground on Clatto Hill for the benefit of wildlife, biodiversity and recreation. No further information is available on the website.

??

20 Comrie Development Trust

www.comriedevelopmenttrust.org.uk

Comrie, Perthshire


Charity

Trust established in 2006 to promote the sustainable development of Comrie for the benefit of local people, groups and businesses. Main focus reducing carbon footprint and promoting re-use of ex POW camp now in community ownership. Other activities include recycling, composting and energy efficiency. One of 10 working groups is “woodlands and orchards”. Main current project is establishment of community orchard (A4A grant awarded) but working towards creation of community woodland.

Mention of FCS support for schools planting project

21 Comrie Millennium Footpath Association

www.comrie.org.uk

Comrie, Perthshire

Charity

Group created to improve access for walking on FE and neighbouring ground for members of the Comrie community.

FE informal agreement

22 Cormonachan Woodland Project

www.cormonachan-woodlands.co.uk

Loch Goil, Argyll Located on the west shore of Loch Goil, between Lochgoilhead and Carrick Castle, the 20ha Cormonachan Atlantic oakwoods are being managed as a partnership project between local organisations and FE to promote education, conservation and recreation. The project was started in 1997. Work to date has included the construction and ongoing maintenance of footpaths, viewpoints and a resource centre, survey work and resultant conservation projects, woodland management and woodland skills training.

FE comprehensive written agreement

Funding for deer fencing (£1,000)

23 Craignish Community Company

www.craignishcommunitycompany.org.uk

Craignish, Argyll


Charity

CCC formed 2004 to promote rural regeneration on sustainable development principles for community of Craignish. Application to purchase 120ha / 207ha? FE forest at Salachry approved 2009 however CCC has failed to find the funding necessary to complete the purchase. The CCC website states that the project is no longer being pursued. 15 woodland crofts under consideration?

NFLS approved July 2009

24 Dunbritton Housing Association Lochgoilhead, Argyll

Company & Charity

Affordable housing at Donich Park, Lochgoilhead (1.4ha). Associated use of local timber both for construction and heating. 17 properties proposed.

NFLS 2009

47

http://www.clatto.org.uk/

http://www.comriedevelopmenttrust.org.uk/

http://www.comriedevelopmenttrust.org.uk/

http://www.comrie.org.uk/

http://www.cormonachan-woodlands.co.uk/

http://www.cormonachan-woodlands.co.uk/

http://www.craignishcommunitycompany.org.uk/

http://www.craignishcommunitycompany.org.uk/

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 25 Affordable housing at Succoth, Arrochar (2ha). 6 properties

initially with proposals for a further 20 under consideration. NFLS 2006

26 Dundee Woodlands Dundee City Council

Application comprised 9 WIAT and 2 F4P projects, 9 on land owned by DCC and the others on land owned by the University and NHS (Ninewells). The Panel requested further development of the proposals and a portfolio of proposals was resubmitted in late 2009. Ninewells submitted 2010.

WIAT & F4P 2009 & 2010

Rolling programme of project development

27 Dunoon Dunoon, Argyll Emerging interest in a potential WIAT/F4P project. Also in this area the Sandbank Community are exploring a potential WIAT project.

tbc

28 Falkland Conservation Group

www.centreforstewardship.org.uk

Falkland, Fife

Volunteer Group

A volunteer group established in 1994 and carrying out practical conservation and access management within the Falkland Estate. A community woodland has also been created.

Estate working with FCS to establish centre of excellence for 21st century estate management

29 Friends of Aros Park Tobermory, Isle of Mull Group provides a focus for communication with FCS re Aros Park and a mechanism for practical volunteer work.

Rolling informal agreement

30 Fyne Homes

www.fynehomes.org.uk

Rothesay, Isle of Bute

Company

Charity

Registered social landlord providing affordable housing across Bute, Cowal, Kintyre and Mid Argyll.

Interest in 0.55ha site at Tosh’s Park, Carradale, Kintyre for construction of affordable housing.

NFLS application under consideration

31 As above Affordable housing at Kilmun, by Dunoon. 4 properties NFLS 2006

Gartocharn Community Council New group formed to work with FE to develop plans for the replanting of Ross Priory woods

Central Scotland Conservancy?

32 Glendaruel and Colintraive Community Development Trust

www.cgdt.org

Colintraive, Argyll


Charity

Trust incorporated in 2008 to develop the social, economic, environmental and cultural base of the area as a means of addressing issues of rural decline within the two small communities. The Trust has expressed interest in purchasing Stronafian– a major woodland of 462ha commercial conifers plus 153ha of open ground. Potential for housing sites, woodland crofts, access and recreation

NFLS application to purchase in progress – property declared surplus by FE

DV £1.55m indicates

48

http://www.centreforstewardship.org.uk/

http://www.fynehomes.org.uk/

http://www.cgdt.org/


facilities, landscape and biodiversity enhancement, education, fuelwood business, community wind turbine.

need for phased purchase

33 Glen Doll Glen Doll, Angus Community representatives on management group for FE estate FE liaison

34 Glenorchy and Innishail Community Council

Glenorchy and Dalmally Community interest in footpath networks in and around Dalmally, some on FE land. Primary school involvement in planning and replanting area adjacent to school in 2010.

FE liaison

35 Grandtully and Strathtay Conservation Trust

www.grandtullyandstrathtay.co.uk

Company limited by guarantee Formerly the Strathtay Community Company, GSCT was incorporated in 2008 to promote the sustainable development of the neighbouring communities of Grantully and Strathtay. The main interest is enhancement of the conservation area and input to planning issues affecting the area. The communities have also expressed an interest in acquiring ownership of part of the local woodland estate though this has not been placed on the market for sale. Opportunities have been identified for food production, reinstatement of a hydro scheme, the development of access and recreation opportunities and improved conservation management, all of which could help create new local employment.

??

36 HelensburghCommunity Woodlands Group

May be a group under umbrella of Helensburgh Green Belt Group?

Duchess Wood LNR (formerly Bluebell Wood), managed by Argyll & Bute Council under a formal agreement with Luss Estates who own the land.

No further information available

??

37 Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust

www.hpclt.org

Aberfeldy, Perthshire


Charity

HPCLT steering group established 2001 to acquire on open market the 1,100 acre Dun Coillich estate near Aberfeldy and restore it to native woodland. The Trust was formed in 2002 with the main aim of improving the conservation management and biodiversity value of the site which was successfully purchased in May 2002. Activities will be undertaken by local volunteers with a particular focus on engaging young people and schools. Access improvements have been made and a rolling programme of management activities and other improvements undertaken. A small Observation and Education Facility has been built close to a new car park. Future work will include footpath improvements.

FE informal agreement for skills training

FCS WGS

49

http://www.grandtullyandstrathtay.co.uk/

http://www.grandtullyandstrathtay.co.uk/

http://www.hpclt.org/

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 38 Highland Renewal

www.highlandrenewal.org

Bunessan, Isle of Mull


Charity

Company established 1994 for advancement of education, conservation and landscape regeneration mainly through management of Tireragan estate on Mull for which the company holds a 30 years lease.

FCS support acknowledged in literature. Woodland management grants?

39 Inverawe Field Archers

www.argyllfieldarchers.org.uk

Club established 2009 and operates two field archery courses and an all-abilities archery practice area. Activities include summer programmes for young people (with ABC).


40 Kilchrenan Kilchrenan, Argyll Community interest in development of recreation facilities on FE estate at Achahenna

FE liaison

41 Kilfinan Community Forest Project

www.kilfinancommunityforest.co.uk

see also www.dunbeag.org.uk

Tighnabruich, Argyll


Charity

Grew out of original Dunbeag project. KCFP commenced in 2005 following launch of NFLS. Company established in 2007 to acquire 125ha of Acharossan Forest from FE and manage this on behalf of the Kilfinan community on the Cowal peninsula. The aim is to generate a mix of social, economic and environmental benefits: training and skills development, educational resource, affordable housing and forest crofts, local food, biodiversity enhancement, access and recreation facilities, and business development / employment opportunities inc. woodland management and fuelwood operations.

NFLS 2010

FCS commitment to approve purchase of additional 275ha within next 5 years should KCFC desire.

FE comprehensive written agreement re original Dunbeag project

42 Kilmagad

The Woodland Trust

By Scotlandwell, Perthshire

Kilmagad Wood has been owned by the Woodland Trust since 1998 and in 2008 a further 12 acres of agricultural land was purchased to extend the site. This project involves the engagement of local people – schools and community – to plant up the site, improve public access and begin developing educational activities.

F4P 2009

43 Kilmory Home Farm Project Kilmory, Argyll Community group proposing to restore home farm adjacent to FE land

FE informal agreement

44 Kilmun Community Trust

www.benmorekilmun.org

Kilmun, Cowal Forestry interests unclear FE liaison

50

http://www.highlandrenewal.org/

http://www.argyllfieldarchers.org.uk/

http://www.kilfinancommunityforest.co.uk/

http://www.kilfinancommunityforest.co.uk/

http://www.dunbeag.org.uk/

http://www.benmorekilmun.org/

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 45 Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park

Group

www.kinnoull.org.uk

Kinnoull, Perth

Charity

Group established in 2001 as mechanism for promoting local community engagement with the management, development and use of the Woodland Park, located on the eastern edge of Perth. Volunteers contribute to a range of management activities within the Park. Creation of an Arboretum is the current main project.

FE part owner of Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park (Deuchny Hill)

Comprehensive written agreement until 2015.

46 Kirriemuir Hill Angus Council Upgrade and improve public access and education in and around Kirriemuir Hill as part of JM Barrie Legacy Project. Includes engagement with local school and development of Forest Education initiative. Links physically to other projects previously supported by WIAT.

WIAT 2009

47 Ladybank User Group Fife

Voluntary group

Charity

Group established in 2002 with formal management partnership created 2005 with aims to enhance leisure facilities and protect woodland environment and wildlife. Ladybank Woodland comprises 500ha of woodlands across 7 sites around Ladybank.

FE comprehensive written agreement until 2029

48 Lochgoil Community Partners

Lochgoilhead

Partnership between LGH Community Council & LGH Community Trust

Current agreement was established in 2006 to develop the arboretum area into an outdoor recreational ground to meet the aspirations of the Lochgoil Community.

Project includes a Playpark and Sports Area in addition to the existing arboretum walks. Playpark opened 1st April 2010

20 Year agreement -review every 5 yrs

FCS funded annual RoSPA Inspection

FCS regular inspections of area and supervision of construction contracts

49 Middleton Wood

www.middletonwoods.org.uk

Dundee Council

Middleton Wood is promoted as Dundee’s community woodland. The woodland was created from open land with a programme of tree planting that began in 1993. A management team has been established led by the Ranger service and including Whitfield and Fintry residents, local schools and other DCC staff. The management team organise fun days, tree planting clean ups, wildflower planting and wildlife surveys. A Friends Group is being established.

WIAT grant for car park 2005 (part of £501,276 award to DCC for work at 20 woods)

51

http://www.kinnoull.org.uk/

http://www.middletonwoods.org.uk/

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 50 Minard Community Woodland

Trust Minard, Argyll


Charity

Group established 1997 and entered formal partnership with FE in 2001 to manage Minard woodland to improve access and interpretation and promote multi-purpose use of timber.

FE comprehensive written agreement to 2010

51 Monimail Woodland Group

www.nhtt.org.uk or

Letham Woodland Group

www.letham.org.uk/letham-woods

Fife

Constituted Group

Letham Woodland Group (aka Monimail Woodland Group) is a constituted organisation established in 2008 to explore the potential purchase of the west woods at Letham Hill (3ha) to secure them for community benefit. A consultation report was published July 2010 indicating strong community support for the proposal. The project is also part of the North Howe Transition Toun initiative.

Forest Kindergarten

52 Montreathmont Montreathmont, Angus New group, yet to be named, with an interest in the FE estate. Consideration being given to car parking and forest walks.

FE liaison

53 Mull & Iona Community Trust

www.mict.co.uk

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Proposals being developed for small business units at Ardmore (1ha) by Tobermory.

NFLS under consideration

54 As above Mull Eagle Viewing Partnership (also includes SNH, RSPB & police). Aims are to undertake practical conservation work to sustain and grow eagle population and provide public viewing of eagles / sea eagles.


55 As above Argyll Islands Native Woodland Initiative (with SNH) to promote creation and improved management of native woodlands on the Argyll islands.

FE comprehensive written agreement until 2010.

56 As above Mull and Iona Ranger Service Rolling annual commitment by FE

57 Mull & Iona Gaelic Partnership Tobermory, Isle of Mull


Charity

Company established 1991 to promote Gaelic language and culture in Mull and Iona. Potential interest in acquisition of land at Aros Park by Tobermory for construction of Gaelic centre.

Potential NFLS application

52

http://www.nhtt.org.uk/

http://www.letham.org.uk/letham-woods

http://www.letham.org.uk/letham-woods

http://www.mict.co.uk/

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 58 Newport on Tay Newport on Tay, Fife Improvements to two woodland areas – South Woods and Tayfield

House policy woodlands. 3 main themes: maintain and improve quality of quiet recreation; develop landscape value; and protect and improve biodiversity. No indication of community engagement.

WIAT 2008

59 North West Argyll FEI Oban, Argyll

FEI cluster group application to fund development officer for 3 years plus 18 forest school projects and 18 outdoor learning projects across 9 schools

F4P 2009

60 North West Mull Community Woodland Company

www.nwmullwoodland.co.uk

Dervaig, Isle of Mull


Charity

Feasibility study 2005. Company established 2006 to manage Langamull (251ha) & West Ardhu (440ha) woodlands to provide affordable housing, improved access, business opportunities and education resource. Current activities include timber extraction, forest school, archaeology, and community events with forest crofts (9 No.), micro-hydro and cycle routes all in development.

NFLS 2006

Initial woodfuel development work through FE comprehensive written agreement and local forester support.

61 Perth & Kinross Education Perth & Kinross Council

A Big Tree Country educational project focusing on David Douglas. A 3 year programme of work designed for primary and special needs schools. Storytelling and hands on activities.

F4P 2010

62 Pitmedden Forest

Scottish Native Woods

Pitmedden, Fife

Project to develop an FEI cluster group in north east Fife centred on Pitmedden Forest.

F4P 2009

63 Rosneath and Clynder Community Action Trust

www.raccat.org.uk

Clynder, Argyll

Trust has acquired ownership of Clachan Glen West woodland in Rosneath with the aim of using this as a vehicle to promote regeneration of the village. The aim is to bring the neglected woodland back into active management, improving its conservation value, and providing leisure, recreation and education opportunities. Access has been improved through negotiation of a lease for an adjoining area of 1.5 acres.

WIAT grant £18,258

F4P grant £8,617

Towards cost of access improvements and community events

64 Stirling Council : Craig Lower Wood and Meadows Wood, both in Callander

Stirling Council Project to improve the amenity of these woodlands, bringing them back into management and promoting community involvement. The woods will be used as a location by the “Walk for Wellbeing” programme.

WIAT & F4P 2010

53

http://www.nwmullwoodland.co.uk/

http://www.raccat.org.uk/

Appendix 7 : Community Woodland & Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area 65 Strathard Community Council Loch Katrine Time limited agreement until end of project delivery (2013).

Agreement designed to address concerns of SCC and Loch Katrine Community Trust re proposed FE woodland restoration project at Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet.

FE Basic Written Agreement

66 Strathfillan Community Development Trust

Tyndrum, Stirling


Charity

Trust with wideranging activities, established 1997 with initial special interest in affordable housing and rural economic development.

Tyndrum Community Woodland (90ha) managed since 2006 through long term lease with FCS.

Crianlarich Community Woodland (4ha) by school jointly managed with FCS.

FE Lease for Tyndrum Community Woodland

FE comprehensive written agreement until 2016 for management of Crianlarich Community Woodland and Cattle Creep Path at Tyndrum

67 Tarbert & Skipness Community Trust

www.tsct.org.uk

Tarbert, Argyll


Charity

Trust established to promote a healthy and sustainable future for the communities of Tarbert & Skipness, contributing to community development and conserving and enhancing the special qualities of the local environment, both for residents and visitors.

A renewable energy project is under development (community wind turbine) at Corranbuie, Tarbert.

Potential NFLS application for lease of FE land.

68 Tayport Community Council Tentsmuir, Tayside Management group for Tentsmuir established including SNH, Fife Council, local landowners and TCC.

Informal agreement

69 Tobermory Endeavour ??? Community company formed. Interest in walled garden site within Aros Park for community allotments, community garden, museum and café. Also proposals for playgym on another site.

FE owns Aros Park

70 West Highland Housing Association

Dalavich, Argyll

Affordable housing (<1ha) at Dalavich, mid-Argyll. 2 properties NFLS 2006

71 Salen, Isle of Mull Affordable housing (>1ha) at Salen, Isle of Mull. 8 properties. NFLS 2006

54

http://www.tsct.org.uk/


55

72 Westmuir Community Development Trust

www.westmuir.org.uk

Westmuir is located 1 mile west of Kirriemuir, Angus. The Westmuir Community Woodland Park (3.5ha) was opened in 2007 and is located on land leased to WCDT by a local landowner. The Park is managed by a volunteer group who have transformed it from redundant scrubland to a recreational facility that is now well used by the local community with an ongoing programme of tree planting and other events.

73 Wings Over Mull

www.wingsovermull.com

Craignure, Isle of Mull

Opened in 2001 the centre houses a collection of birds of prey from across the world. Developing a community company with view to submitting an NFLS application 2011.

Interested in FE land at Aros Park to create a visitor centre, bird hospital and venue for flying displays.

NFLS application under consideration

74 Ford Community Project Ford, Argyll

Sale of surplus land 2.5ha adjacent to forestry houses for development of a community centre to include sport and education facilities, shop, post office and café plus adjacent playpark. Aim to address rural decline and steady closure of local facilities.

NFLS 2007

75 Guildtown Community Association

Nr Perth Run village hall and sports facilities for benefit of local community. Forestry interests unclear as yet but FCS engaged and exploring with them.

Source: Community Woodlands Association Website; FCS Index of Social Forestry; FCS website; West Argyll FDM Report to PARFF September 2010

http://www.westmuir.org.uk/

http://www.wingsovermull.com/

APPENDIX 8 DISTRIBUTION OF SOCIAL FORESTRY PROJECTS

WITHIN PARFF AREA

56

Appendix 8 : Distribution of Social Forestry Projects Within PARFF Area

57

58

APPENDIX 9

DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECTS BY FSC

SUPPORT MECHANISM

Appendix 9 : Distribution of Projects by FCS Support Mechanism

59

60

APPENDIX 10

SETTLEMENTS WITH NO RECORDED

SOCIAL FORESTRY PROJECT

Appendix 10 : Settlements With No Recorded Social Forestry Project

61

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APPENDIX 11

REFERENCES

Appendix 11 : References

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1. Scottish Forestry Strategy 2006.

2. SFS Implementation Plan 2010-2013 and 2009-2010 Progress Report.

3. The National Forest Estate : Strategic Plan 2009-13

4. A valuation of the economic and social contribution of forestry for people in Scotland. Forest Research 2008

5. Argyll & Bute Woodland & Forestry Strategy 2010 (Draft)

6. Clackmannanshire & Stirling Indicative Forestry Strategy 2004

7. Community Forestry Scotland Report 2009

8. Community Involvement in Private Woodlands

9. Community Partnerships on the NFE

10. CWA Final Report 2010

11. FCS Community Partnerships Report

12. FCS Recreation Framework

13. Forestry & Woodland Framework. Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park 2003

14. Perth & Kinross Indicative Forestry Strategy 2006

15. FCS Social Forestry Report

16. FCS Social Forestry Report Summary

17. WIAT Phase 2

18. FCS Woods Fore Health Action Plan

19. FCS Woods for Health Strategy

20. FCS Woods for Learning Action Plan 2010-13

21. FCS Woods for Learning Strategy 2009

FE Partnerships surveyed as part of the CWA 2009/10 study:

• Auchterhouse Community Woodland Action Group Tay FD

• Alyth Hill User Group Tay FD

• Kinnoull Woodland Park Group Tay FD

• Minard Community Trust West Argyll FD

• Westmuir Community Development Trust Tay FD