Protect Hollybush Woodland

Aim

We're raising £1,750 to fund independent ecological advice, planning expertise and community engagement to help protect Hollybush Woodland.

Can changing just 3% of a housing development help protect ancient woodland?

We believe it can.

We are Protect Hollybush, a community campaign working to protect Hollybush Woodland in Paisley, Scotland.

We're raising £1,750 to fund the next crucial stage of our campaign and give us the best possible chance of securing a practical solution before construction reaches the woodland this autumn.

This isn't about stopping new homes.

It's about finding a better way.

A simple idea

We're asking one straightforward question.

Could redesigning around just 3% of the approved Abercrombie Park development on the site of the former Dykebar Hospital on Grahamston Road in Paisley protect part of Hollybush Woodland while still allowing around 97% of the planned homes to be built?

Supported by independent ecological advice, we believe it's a conversation worth having.

We hope developers, decision-makers and the community will explore whether a small change today could protect something that has taken centuries to develop.

Why Hollybush matters

Hollybush Woodland, on the site of the former Dykebar Hospital on Grahamston Road in Paisley, is one of the town's hidden treasures.

It contains around 20 veteran trees, including at least 12 recorded on the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Inventory, alongside areas of ancient riparian woodland that have developed naturally over hundreds of years.

These aren't simply old trees.

They are living ecosystems that support birds, mammals, insects, fungi and countless other species. Once ancient woodland is lost, it cannot simply be recreated by planting new trees elsewhere.

Why we're asking for your support

Time is running short.

Construction is expected to enter the woodland this autumn, making the coming weeks our best opportunity to present the strongest possible case before any irreversible damage is done.

Your donation will help fund:

• independent ecological expertise
• planning advice
• community engagement
• campaign materials
• essential campaign costs

Every pound raised helps us continue working with independent experts and encourages constructive discussions with developers and decision-makers.

Looking beyond Hollybush

We believe Hollybush could become an example for communities across the UK.

Too often, people are told they must choose between protecting nature and building the homes society needs.

We don't believe those should always be opposing goals.

If a practical compromise can be reached here, it could demonstrate how communities, developers and independent experts can work together to find better solutions for the future.

Thank you

Whether you donate £5 or £500, you'll be helping give Hollybush Woodland the best possible chance.

We'll also be completely transparent about how every donation is spent, providing regular updates so supporters can see exactly what their contributions have helped achieve.

If you're unable to donate today, sharing this campaign with friends, family and your wider community would mean just as much.

Together, we can help protect Hollybush Woodland for future generations.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd October 2026 at 10:30am