People who walk in and enjoy Broughtonknowe Woodland have been working hard for 18 months to secure a community buyout of the woodland. Put up for sale in summer 2023 we have now received more than three-quarters of the funding needed through a generous investment from the Scottish Land Fund and other donors to buy the woodland for community use in perpetuity.
This final appeal is to help raise the balance of funding needed to purchase the woodland in spring 2025 and we are also seeking start-up costs to ensure the best possible beginning to community ownership. The current owner is supportive of our endeavours and the wood is off the market waiting for our bid.
Our vision is a woodland with amazing biodiversity, hosting a diverse range of habitats to support native species. With community ownership we will be able to plant and maintain trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to attract a wide array of insects, birds, and mammals. We imagine volunteers regularly monitoring species and we will adapt management practices to enhance habitat diversity. Community-led conservation efforts, such as tree planting and wildlife restoration will raise awareness and foster a sense of stewardship for the woodland.
For local people, time spent in woodlands can lower anxiety and depression levels, improve mood, and increase feelings of calm and connection to nature. Spending time in a natural environment promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. The sights, sounds, and smells of a woodland, along with physical activity like walking, help to reduce mental fatigue and improve cognitive function. A community woodland will also foster social connections, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
We have a sustainable business plan, with an income identified that protects the woodland's integrity over time and when we purchase the wood we will be ready to hit the ground the running.