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Date for your diary!

CWA 10 Year Anniversary Conference
24th & 25th August 2013

This year our annual conference will be taking place at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye. The event will celebrate 10 years of the Community Woodlands Association - with a fantastic party / ceilidh on the Saturday evening. Further information on the event programme and how you can book will be available in the coming weeks.

Growing and Harvesting Food in Community Woodland
Torridon Community Centre
Friday 26th – Sunday 28th April 2013

As part of the CWA Enterprising Woods project, CWA is bringing together forest crofters, forest gardeners, foragers and other experts to deliver a 2 day seminar covering growing and harvesting food in community woodlands.

An increasing number of community woodland groups are working in partnership to create community gardens and allotments, polytunnels and community composting schemes. What could your group do to look at food production, what edible plants are already growing in your woodland, how you can add value or develop enterprise opportunities - come along to this weekend and find out more.

The event is FREE to CWA groups and members and partner group members (includes Reforesting Scotland, DTAS, Community Land Scotland and the Federation of City Farms and Gardens).

This event is part funded by Highland LEADER and Awards for All. Assistance with travel expenses is available to groups from within the Highland LEADER boundary and Argyll.

For more information and to book please contact Diane Oliver on di.oliver@communitywoods.org or 01852 310955. The booking form is available at the end of the attached file.]]

CWA have some great training events coming up in the next few months > check out CWA Events for more information and to book your place!

Woodland Survey and Management, Fintry (Postponed from March)
20th April 2013
This one day practical workshop aims to give delegates a basic understanding of community woodland management including woodland surveying & creation, access & interpretation and habitat & wildlife corridors. For more information contact kelly@fintrydt.org.uk

Drystone Walling Course, Dunnet
20th and 21st April 2013
Course to be run under the instruction of George Gunn, Drystone Walling Association Master Craftsman, and the course is limited to 12 places. Members of CWA are offered free places; cost to other trainees will be £25 per day. To book a place on this course
Please contact Nettie Ward pippannette@macace.net

Train the Trainer; Group Training Certificate, Perth
2nd, 3rd, 10th May 2013
This highly regarded and popular course returns this summer, the course is held on three days, over two weeks. The aim of the course is to provide the skills required for participants to plan and host their own training and knowledge share events giving them the confidence and the correct techniques to make their training enjoyable for themselves and their trainees. The skills and certificates gained at this training provide opportunity to develop income from delivery of training events independently, or through CWA’s knowledge and skill share programme. A maximum of 6 participants can take part in this training. Book now to secure your place rosslyn@communitywoods.org

Plain English for Funding Applications -Perth
13th May 2013
1 day session: delegates will work with tutor Joyce Falkner* to explore the benefits and techniques of using plain English when applying for funds. Delegates will work with their own real life application examples; putting their new skills into practice with the support and guidance of our tutor. *Joyce is a teacher of Communication and English at Stevenson College, Edinburgh, and fundraiser for CWA member group GreenFerry Trust. Joyce has a 100% success rate with grant applications.

Greenwood Weekend – Wooplaw Woods, Borders
25th & 26th May 2013
Practical “make your own shaving horse or pole lathe” and learn how to use them with the Wooplaw Wardens. (To cover the cost of materials there is a charge of £40 for a shaving horse and £60 for a pole lathe)

Bute Forest Ltd, on behalf of Bute Community Land Company, is pleased to invite you to tender for the investigation into the potential market for a forest centre and accommodation in the islands community-owned forest.

Bute Community Land Company (BCLC) represents the community of Bute in the ownership of Bute Forest. Bute Forest Ltd (BFL) manages the forest on behalf of BCLC. BCLC is to be awarded development funding following a Stage 1 application to the Big Lottery Fund. The development phase includes four primary aspects:
1. Detailed building design and successful conclusion of the planning and permissions process
2. Market research into the potential visitors to the forest centre and accommodation, their needs and preferences
3. Completion of detailed operational and financial plans
4. Research into the needs and priorities of the community of Bute.

These aspects are scheduled to run in parallel, although certain aspects will need to be concluded before others commence. For example, they require some of the market research to be concluded in order to inform the building design. They are inviting tenders for each of these aspects. Note the short timescales. More details can be found via the weblink below.

Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust (CGDT) have purchased Stronafian Forest and are now recruiting for a dynamic Community Forest Development Officer.

CGDT are delighted to confirm that they have now purchased Stronafian Forest on the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll. The forest, purchased for 1.55M from the Forestry Commission under the National Forest Land Scheme, will provide the community of Colintraive and Glendaruel with superb opportunities to create sustainable housing, woodland crofts, renewable energy sources and wonderful amenity spaces.

The Trust has been working since early 2010 on the acquisition of the 600ha+ woodland, developing a thorough-going business plan, as well as working on the funding package which includes £1.3M from a commercial tenant for the rights to the commercial forestry over 99 years. Alongside this tranche of money, raised from the private sector, the trust has also raised over £300,000, both for the balance of the purchase price, but also the legal fees and a two year Community Forest Project Officer post. The trust believe this is the first purchase of its kind to combine private and public sectors in a community woodland acquisition.

Come Work With Us
The Trust are still recruiting for the post which offers an exciting blend of community engagement, project management and business development in a forest context. The Community Forest Project Officer will be tasked with taking forward a community wind turbine, developing 4-6ha woodland crofts and preparing building plots for self-build and affordable homes, as well as making the forest accessible to the local community and its visitors. This is an opportunity to work with one of the West Coast’s most innovative trusts, in an environment of outstanding natural beauty, with a community whose Hogmanays are reputed to be the best in Argyll.

CGDT’s chair, Charles Dixon-Spain said, "We are thrilled with this acquisition which is confirmation of the momentum our community has been building over the last five years. Colintraive and Glendaruel is a community that has been in decline for many years, and the Trust feels this purchase signals the renewing of our community, of bringing people in and services back and of ensuring the future of those services that we have held onto. Thanks to everyone who has helped us get to this stage!"

CGDT wish to thank Forestry Commission Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Argyll and the Islands LEADER, the Scottish Land Fund, the Big Fund, Aitchesse Ltd. and our tenant for all their help, financial support and encouragement over the last three years.

Bute Forest Ltd has been awarded £18,081.70 to ensure the continued involvement of the community in Bute Forest.

The Forestry Commission’s Community Seedcorn Fund aims to supports community groups and organisations which encourage and facilitate greater public use of woods thereby realising health, well-being and community benefits.
The grant will part-fund the Forest Manager position, held by Emma Cooper, in order to facilitate community involvement in all aspects of the forest. This includes arranging a series of events, school and community group visits, volunteering opportunities, conservation work and forestry demonstrations. In addition the Forest Manager will be producing a report for the Forestry Commission on how community-owned forests can work together across Argyll & Bute.

Jim Mitchell, Director of Bute Forest Ltd said “We are delighted to receive this award from Forestry Commission Scotland. The Forest Manager position is vital for ensuring both short term and long term aims are achieved for the community. Significant progress has been made since the purchase of the forest and we expect to see further developments over the next year, as well as continuing to provide a range of opportunities for the community to be involved in the forest. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Emma for her hard work and dedication to her role.”

Last year close to 100 people volunteered in the forest, helping with conservation projects, trail creation and the timber products business. There were a number of events and guided visits to the forest. A programme of events are planned for spring this year.

Bute Forest Ltd is a subsidiary of Bute Community Land Company which purchased 161Ha of forest at the north end of Bute in 2010. Bute Forest Ltd manages the forest and is responsible for achieving the outlined aims and objectives for the forest. This includes management of the timber products business, volunteering, events, conservation and facility development.

Woodland Living and Working Seminar 2013
Date: 26th February 2013

DOWNLOAD FULL SCHEDULE AND BOOKING FORM BELOW

Location: Milngavie, Glasgow
Venue: Charles Conference Facilities, Mugdock Country Park
Site Visit: Carbeth Huts
Timings: 10am – 4pm (lunch and refreshments will be provided)

What: A one day seminar exploring the various models for woodland living and working, with particular focus on how they can contribute to the objectives of community landowners and help deliver sustainable forest management.

A fee will be charged for non-CWA members wishing to attend; this will be invoiced following completion of booking.

To Book:
Places are available on a first come first served basis.
Please complete a booking form and return it to Rosslyn Mills at rosslyn@communitywoods.org / Flat 4, No 7 Park Place, Denny, Stirlingshire, FK6 6NN.
Online booking available at: http://www.communitywoods.org/cwe-trainingcourses.php?from=cwa
Please ensure that you inform Rosslyn of any special dietary requirements no later than Wednesday 20th February.

Cost:
This event is FREE to Community Woodlands Association groups and members.
Individual CWA members - £25 fee is payable by cheque when booking.
Non CWA groups / members - £50 fee is payable by cheque when booking.

Delegate T&S:
Travel expenses can be covered at 25p per mile and overnight accommodation should you require it at £25 per night – claim forms will be available on the day. (Public transport costs will be covered in full with proof of purchase)

Based at Coed Lleol office in Machynlleth, mid-Wales.
£22 000 - £25 000 pro rata, 2 days per week.

Closing date 19th November - Interviews 26th November 2012

Temporary Contract (maternity cover) for 12 months, subject to approval of funding for next stage of the project after first 4 months (April 2012).

For more details visit our job page at the link below.

This week sees the launch of two innovative training events being hosted at the An Roth Community Enterprise Centre on the Isle of Mull, just as the Scottish Government sits down to consider responses to its controversial Community Empowerment Consultation.

Delegates from across the UK are being offered a two day intensive weekend of study visits examining the range of social enterprises that have flourished on the Isle of Mull, Argyll. From the An Roth Enterprise Centre, the swimming pool, moorings and jetties, arts venues, profit making village halls and even community land buyouts - the residents of the islands have been ‘doing it for themselves’ for years. There’s also an innovative training programme looking at practical ways to deal with conflict on committees and Boards of Directors and maintaining volunteer engagement.

Much More Than A Training Course

Training Manager for An Roth Associates, Sian Scott explained “Social Enterprise and community empowerment are now higher than ever before on the governments’ agenda. In our experience, while it’s a challenging path to take, there are huge benefits to be gained from local communities managing and running their own services and facilities. The volunteers and staff drawn from local Mull enterprises have offered their time to share their journeys so we have put together an exciting programme of seminars and visits., which can be run as a one day or two day event. Groups who have visited in the past have found it far more revealing than attending a conference or training course especially with the added benefit of networking with likeminded social entrepreneurs from across the UK. Some have questioned the cost of over £300 for the two days, that’s well within commercial rates and as a social enterprise, all the profits raised will go back to support local projects and each social enterprise hosting our visitors receives a fee for their time.

Due to Popular Demand…………………..

The island has had its own Development Trust since the late 90’s which has been on hand to offer assistance to many of Mull’s community groups as well as developing several initiatives of its own, and as a result the island has played host to increasing numbers of groups coming to Mull to see what’s been going on. “We have hosted delegations from all over Scotland , Europe, South Africa, Canada and the USA, so we thought it appropriate that visiting groups contributed to the islands economy “ explains Sandy Brunton, Chair of the Mull & Iona Community Trust. “We particularly were thrilled when volunteers from West Wemyss in Fife came on this study trip and then went on to win the Big Lottery Village SOS, reopened their village pub and are now regenerating their community”

“With an ever increasing interest in community enterprise and the development trust approach,
DTAS welcomes the launch of this exciting new initiative. The combination of training and study visits will provide a unique opportunity for other communities to be inspired by and learn from all that has been achieved by the community on Mull." Ian Cooke, Director of the Development Trust Association Scotland

Full details of the two training events can be found on the CWA events page

£22,221 p.a.
One year contract, full-time (starting October 2012)
The Mersey Forest Offices, Warrington (WA3 6QX)
Closing date: Wednesday 12th September 2012, noon. Provisional Date of Interviews: Thursday 27th September 2012

The Mersey Forest creates new woodlands and helps people reconnect with nature across Merseyside and North Cheshire. So far our partnership has planted almost 9 million trees. Their work ranges from collaborating with deprived communities to plant new street trees, to helping schools to create their own mini-woodlands and use them as outdoor classrooms.

For more information visit our jobs page via the link link below

In 1987 Wooplaw Community Woodland became the first community woodland buyout in Scotland, leading the way in the formation of a national movement that now boasts over 200 community woodlands in Scotland. The movement could not have begun without the ambition of its early founders (and of course the trees) but the growth of our movement has been largely down to the commitment, passion and enthusiasm of the individuals and communities throughout Scotland who are driving their woodlands to success.

On the 1st and 2nd of September CWA will celebrate these people, their places, their progress and their passion during our national conference. The conference will be held alongside the planned celebrations in Wooplaw Woods, working with the Wooplaw Wardens to deliver an inspirational, informative and fun weekend worthy of celebration.

The CWA Conference will be held at Tweed Horizons Centre, Newtown St. Boswells TD6 0SG and the Dinner/Ceilidh will be at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel, St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0EW.
Conference fees:
CWA Full & Umbrella Member groups: 2 free places
Basic Member groups: 1 free place
All others: £50 per delegate

To book, complete the attached booking form and appropriate fee and send to: Caroline Derbyshire, CWA Administrator, Steading Cottage, Craigfield Farm, Kintessack, Forres, Moray IV36 2SP or use our online service.

Evanton Wood Community Company has a vacancy for an Education and Outreach Coordinator.On a self-employed basis (20 hrs. 44 weeks pa @ £12.50ph). For more details visit the link below to our job page or call Adrian on 01349 830517 or email adrian.clark444@btinternet.com

Closing date 15 June (5pm)

CWA are pleased to announce that nominations for our 2nd annual awards are now open, with prizes available in 4 different categories.

To enter: just download and complete the short nomination form below and state in no more than 200 words why you think your project (or somebody else’s!) would make a worthy winner. You can nominate as many projects and categories as you want.

Please return your nominations by the 17th August 2012, to admin@communitywoods.org

Winners will be informed the w/c 20th August and prizes will be awarded to group representatives during the CWA conference (1st and 2nd September).

Awards will be made in the following categories:

Best Environmental Project 2012
This category is for projects that contribute to the protection, enhancement or promotion of Scotland’s natural environment: this could include projects which, for example, seek to restore native woodlands, carry out habitat improvements within other forest types, benefit Scotland’s biodiversity or contribute to climate change mitigation.

Best Education and Training Project 2012
This category is for projects that actively encourage education and training in Community Woods, for example: working with schools, delivering forest kindergarten or forest schools, setting up return to work initiatives, activity days, adult education and/or rehabilitation.

Best Arts, Culture and Heritage Project 2012
This category is for projects that develop Arts, Culture and Heritage in Community Woods: this includes the encouragement and inclusion of performing and visual arts, the involvement and celebration of local rituals, oral and written tradition, folklore and other festive events, the conservation, interpretation and/or restoration of heritage features with community woodlands and the continuing development of traditional craftsmanship.

Best Employment and Business Project 2012
This category is for projects that develop new business ideas and/or employment opportunities: these could be hosted in and/or managed by the Community Woodland group, or based outside but using resources from the woodland, for example, providing new jobs through the Community Jobs Fund, creating a wood fuel social enterprise, selling wood products.

Boat of Garten Community Council has organised a Caper Watch with RSBP and is now looking for a part-time, seasonal ranger, with funding to support this initiative coming from Cairngorms National Park Authority(CNPA). For more information follow the link below to our jobs page.

A part-time position (3 days per week) is offered on an employed basis until 30^th September 2013, with starting salary of £30,000 per annum pro rata.

For more information go to our webpage below.

Borders Forest Trust, a conservation charity in the South of Scotland, which works with local communities to restore native woodland, is seeking a new Director to start as soon as possible.

The post requires vision, a commitment to the natural environment, strong strategic acumen and the ability to network and influence at all levels. A demonstrable track record in fundraising, financial management, team leadership and development are required. Salary negotiable and dependent on experience.

Job Description available by downloading the document below, or online from www.bordersforesttrust.org or phone 01835 830750.

Apply with CV and covering letter by 30th March to: johnf_hunt@yahoo.co.uk

Interviews will be on 24th/25th April

Plantlife Scotland, the wild plant conservation charity, seeks an enthusiastic and motivated individual to help deliver a 2 year project entitled ’Wild and Wonderful: A Celebration of Scotland’s Wild Plants and Fungi’, mostly in Scotland’s central belt.
For more information visit the web link below.

The closing date for the application is Friday 23rd March. Interviews will be held in Stirling on Friday 30th March.

This exciting project developing of the UK’s largest community owned forests for the enjoyment of local and international visitors. There is extensive scope for development and progression.

Both posts are fixed term contracts for 1 year initially with the exception that these posts will be made permanent.
Closing date 16th March

For more information follow the link to our jobs page:

CALL has successfully raised funds to establish and run a new native tree nursery near Lochinver in Assynt, Sutherland. Your job will be to oversee the nursery construction from scratch, get seedling production underway and start to produce a supply of trees for habitat restoration schemes in the CALL area. This will be done with the support of the CALL partners and the wider local community. The successful applicant will be employed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, one of the CALL partners, on behalf of the partnership.
Closing date 24th February. Interviews 7th March. For more details go to our webpage below.

The 9th Annual General Meeting of the Community Woodlands Association will be held at 2.15pm on Sunday 13th November 2011 at Boat of Garten Community Hall, Reidhaven Park, Craigie Avenue, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire PH24 3BL

Milton Community Woodland Trust require a self-employed Administrator/Secretary. Tenders/Offers are invited for the above post for Milton Community Woodland Trust.

Woodland Ranger, Falkland Centre for Stewardship
Salary - £18114-£20142.
Full time post (2 year contract)

An exciting opportunity to join a small team based on Falkland Estate delivering a varied programme promoting woodland culture and sustainable forest management. You’ll be keen to support the engagement of individuals, school and community groups in learning about and caring for the Forest of Falkland, using your good communication and practical skills. You’ll enjoy managing volunteers and leading a wildlife recording programme. You’ll also be able to work independently and manage your own time, including evening and weekend work when required. A clean driving licence and full Disclosure will be required. For a full job description, please see our website, http://www.centreforstewardship.org.uk/aboutus.htm

This post is supported by Forestry for People Challenge Funds

Forester
Salary - around £22,000
Full time permanent post

An unusual and exciting opportunity for a Working Forester to play a central role in creating a centre of good practice in forest stewardship and woodland culture on Falkland Estate. We are seeking an innovative, creative, honest, flexible, committed, positive and resilient individual, a self-motivated team player eager to develop the role and the Forest of Falkland. You will be joining a busy team delivering a varied programme of work, including training, learning and volunteering, developing social enterprise and income-generating business. A clean driving licence and full Disclosure will be required. For a full job description, please see our website, http://www.centreforstewardship.org.uk/aboutus.htm
Landscape and Forestry Ranger Assistants
Community Jobs Scotland vacancies
30 hours per week, 6 months

Falkland Centre for Stewardship has vacancies for a number of Landscape and Forestry Ranger Assistants. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a range of activities in the forest and landscape. Duties will include: woodland management, forestry enterprise, path maintenance, protection of biodiversity, working with wood to create small structures, dealing with visitors to the Estate. Employment is for 6 months, 30 hours per week (agreed set dates) and at the minimum wage. Training in woodland and forestry techniques will be provided. These posts are Community Jobs Scotland vacancies and you must contact your local JobCentre Plus Personal Advisor to check availability. ( http://www.thejobcentreplus.info/)

The Assynt Foundation is one of a number of projects signed up to take part in new online approach to fundraising used by President Obama’s campaign team in the United States. Crowdfunding connects communities online by allowing projects or causes the chance to appeal directly to the public – or crowd – for funds for a specific campaign.
Borders based project SoLoCo, which launches today (Sept 5), is the first ever dedicated crowdfunding website for the Third Sector – and its founders want it to revolutionise how communities and charities are funded in this country. The Assynt Foundation has launched a crowdfunding campaign to renovate the Glencanisp Gardens to create local enterprise, grow fresh produce, involve more local people and improve access to the estate. They are looking to raise £25,000 to renovate the dilapidated walled garden and bring it back to productive use.
To view The Assynt Foundation’s SoLoCo profile and make a donation visit

Broadford and Strath Community Company (BSCC) is seeking tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the following work for the proposed community woodland:
• Detailed Topographical Survey Report
• Civil Engineers Site Condition Appraisal & Report
Full information is available on the website: www.broadfordandstrath.org. Closing date for tenders is 9th September 2011

Support for this work is provided by the Community Development Support Scheme funded by the Highland Council through the Ward Discretionary Budget and the Highland LEADER programme 2007-13.

BCLC require a Forest Manager whose wide ranging duties will include:
· The completion of a 5 year business plan and other documents.
· Liaising with and servicing the Board of BFL (Bute Forest Limited) and BCLC and enabling the Strategic Aims set out by the Board on behalf of the Membership.
· Liaising with consultants currently in place and writing: A Forest Plan, Masterplan and Small Hydro design.
· Researching and sourcing funding and servicing existing funding agreements.
· Playing a key role in ensuring close contact with the Membership and the wider community.
· Managing the day to day business of BFL and its operations.

The current post will run until October, 2012 at a salary of £30,000 per annum. Thereafter the Board intend to extend the post, should further funding be available. Previous experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: Project management, fund raising and grant application, forestry, community projects, tourism and leisure.

Please apply, saying why you can do this job, with a full CV to:
The Board, (FM Post) ‘Brandish Bute,’ 18 East Princes Street, Rothesay, PA209DL
Closing date for applications is close of business, September 9^th 2011

The CWA Conference 2011 will be held at Boat of Garten Community Hall, Boat of Garten, near Aviemore (evening meal and ceilidh at the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore). This is the annual gathering of CWA members, staff and Directors, celebrating the achievements of community woodland groups throughout Scotland. The conference will feature a mix of inspirational speakers, workshops and site visits, and will provide opportunities for knowledge share and networking. Site visits will include Laggan Forest Trust, the Highland Aspen Group’s nursery and seed orchard and Anagach Woods. The file below contains the booking form, draft schedule, details of site visits and a list of accommodation. For more information contact Caroline at admin@communitywoods.org.