CWA Latest News

Scotland�s Finest Woods Awards 2011

CWA — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:07:06 +0100

Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2011 - The Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are held every year to celebrate all that is best in the management of our woods and forests and to showcase how they contribute to the wealth and wellbeing of Scotland’s people. With 2011 designated as International Year of Forests, this year’s Awards include a special Community Woodlands competition to promote the Central Scotland Green Network and a brand new competition for New Native Woods anywhere in Scotland.

CWA Knowledge Share programme

CWA — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:16:28 +0100

The CWA Knowledge Share Programme 1 concluded with 26 events organised. The results demonstrated a very high satisfaction rating and we think the programme a great success. We are now seeking funding for Knowledge Share Programme 2.

CWA launch new web site

CWA — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:50:18 +0100

The new CWA website is launched and will offer more up to date information for members while also aimed to improve membership numbers.

CWA are exhibitors at this year�s S2S event

CWA — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:10:22 +0100

The S2S Social Enterprise Fair is now firmly established in the Scottish business calendar as the social to social business event to attend.

CWA Conference & Ceilidh 2011 - 12th & 13th November

CWA — Fri, 27 May 2011 11:52:29 +0100

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.

Helmsdale Charcoal & Coppice - Accredited woodsman�s course 6-10 June

CWA — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:05:23 +0100

The second accredited woodsman’s course will take place in Helmsdale from 6th-10th June. The content will mirror the first course (coppice management, charcoal making and greenwood skills) but will also cover aspects of timber framing. Accommodation can be arranged and there are still some places left on the course. For more information please contact Mike Ellis, Helmsdale Charcoal & Coppice mike.ellis@dsl.pipex.com or tel: 01431 821855

Sleat CT acquire Tormore

CWA — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:12:29 +0100

Congratulations to Sleat Community Trust on completing the acquisition of the 440ha Tormore plantation (south Skye) from Forestry Commission Scotland.

Knowledge Share Training Programme Launched

CWA — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:31:34 +0100

The first 7 events in the Knowledge Share training programme have been announced:

Cordwood Wall Construction training (x2)
Train the Trainer 2011
Explore Woodland Heritage
Woodland Product Development
Tree Survey & Identification
Introduction to Charcoal Burning

For more information, or to book any of these courses, please visit the �Training Courses� section of this website.

These events are part of the CWA Knowledge and Skill Development Training Programme, funded by the Scottish Government Skills Development Scheme and the Robertson Trust

CSGN Development Fund - Success for Stirling and Clacks!

CWA — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:50:45 +0100

Stirling and Clackmananshire Council have been successful in their application to the Central Scotland Green Network Development Fund for a "Working Woodlands" project. it is hoped that the funding will enable the production of a Woodland Framework for Clacks and Stirling Council areas within CSGN.

It is anticipated that the framework will identify opportunities for the use of woodlands, in Council and in private ownership, for:
- increased carbon capture and fuel production for climate change mitigation
- training in green skills and the establishment of a social enterprise
- the provision of learning, training and volunteering
- the enhancement of woodland habitats for biodiversity and recreation
- strengthened connectivity of habitats and implementation of IHN objectives
- the potential for greater community ownership and management
- the establishment of a base for training and social enterprise in the study area

CWA are named partners in this application and look forward to taking the project forward. Well done to all involved.

Community purchase of Stronafian forest approved

CWA — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:01:06 +0100

Congratulations to the Colintraive and Glendaruel Development Trust, whose application to purchase the 600ha of Stronafian Forest in south west Cowal through the National Forestry Land Scheme has been approved by Forestry Commission Scotland

The £1.55m price tag is a tall order for the small community but ownership of the land is seen as the catalyst in reversing the area’s economic and social decline. Plans for developing the forest include leasing small parcels of land at sustainable rents to allow small, low-impact silviculture operations to be encouraged, alongside other entrepreneurial pursuits suited to a woodland situation and developing community.

Proximity to the school offers opportunities to develop an outdoor classroom or forest school, a development of the existing curriculum which is proving increasingly popular elsewhere as an educational resource. Indeed areas of the forest, particularly those close to the Clachan of Glendaruel, are rich in archaeological remains, natural history and landscape heritage which will add to the significant amenity resource that the woodland represents.

The Bute Community Land Company � Forest Manager Position

CWA — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:29:49 +0100

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

Invitation To Tender - Broadford and Strath Community Company (BSCC)

CWA — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:31:03 +0100

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.

Assynt Foundation lauches crowdfunding campaign

CWA — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:15:49 +0100

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

Falkland Forester & Ranger Vacancies

CWA — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:09:07 +0100

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/)

Ardentinny NFLS Funding Success

CWA — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:25:20 +0100

Congratulations to CWA Members Ardentinnny Community Trust Ltd, who have announced that they have received funding from the Big Lotttery’s Awards for All (£8,000) and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (£2,000) to secure the community acquisition of the Glenfinart Walled Garden under the National Forest Land Scheme. The Trust has also raised £6,500 from local fundraising and donations, and has long term plans to restore the Grade 2B listed wall.
More immediately, it is hoped to establish a working garden producing affordable, organic fruit and vegetables alongside a more formal leisure garden, while creating opportunities for employment and training. The garden aims to be eco-friendly and to embrace all ages and abilities, with specifically designed education programmes and activities.

CWA Annual Awards

CWA — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:04:04 +0100

To celebrate the hard work, determination, innovation and enthusiasm of Scotland’s community woodland groups, CWA are launching our first annual awards, with prizes in 4 different categories: Best Environmental Project; Best Education and Training Project; Best Arts, Culture and Heritage Project and Best Employment and Business Project.

You can nominate your group or any other CWA member group online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SD9N5B8 or by downloading a nomination form from the CWA website and sending it to admin@communitywoods.org. To complete the form tell us 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.

Closing date for nominations is Monday 31st October. Judging will be by a specially convened panel of CWA Staff & Directors, and the winners will be presented with their award at the Community Woodlands Association conference in Boat of Garten (12th/13th November).

Milton CWT Administrator/Secretary post

CWA — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:09:36 +0100

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

• 6 hours per week by arrangement
• Project funded until December 2012
• Closing date for tenders: 5.00pm 20th October

For full details please email mcwtproject@tiscali.co.uk.

Ardentinny Project Officer post

CWA — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:17:12 +0100

Ardentinny Community Trust Ltd requires a self-employed Project Officer. For more details click here or visit the web link below:

CWA AGM Book 2011

CWA — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:46:44 +0000

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

Community Seedcorn Fund Announcement

CWA — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:02:49 +0000

The Scottish Government has signalled its continuing support for community based woodland projects with another £250,000 cash boost towards next year’s Community Seedcorn Fund. The popular Fund is run by Forestry Commission Scotland and gives small grants to groups and organisations to encourage small scale woodland projects that benefit communities. Speaking at the Community Woodlands Association annual conference in Boat of Garten, Environment & Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to genuine community engagement, both directly and through organisations like the Community Woodlands Association (CWA). The CWA has nearly doubled in size since its formation in 2003 to become an important stakeholder for government and it has delivered some excellent work on the ground for communities. Helping communities kick-start their local projects is a key theme of the Commission’s Community Seedcorn Fund. The fund is already giving financial support for volunteering, skills development and community health promotion schemes. The programme has proved to be so popular that I am matching this year’s budget and allocating another £250,000 for next year.”

The Minister’s announcement was warmly welcomed by the CWA. The Fund has proved very popular this year: it has been invaluable in supporting a wide range of community woodland projects in both urban and rural Scotland, and its straightforward application and rapid decision processes are highly appreciated. We anticipate that eligibility requirements and application processes for next year’s fund will be similar to this year, and we will be circulating application forms and guidance notes to all our members as soon as they are available.

Community Renewables on the National Forest Estate

CWA — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:41:33 +0000

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) has released details of the areas of the National Forest Estate that are available for community-led hydro developments. Communities now have an opportunity to develop proposals for renewable energy projects through the FCS’ National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS).

The available areas are detailed in maps accessed through a “map viewer” on the FCS website - link to viewer from: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/communitiesandrenewables . That site has other information and guidance on the process for groups to select sites, undertake initial feasibility work and develop a NFLS application. It also identifies sources of support and advice including ourselves and other third-sector partners e.g. Community Energy Scotland, DTAS and SCVO.

Community groups now have until 30 June 2012 to submit an Expression of Interest Form (download it from FCS website). A similar process is planned for community-led wind energy projects and due to start around the end of January 2012 - keep checking the weblink.

CWA 2012 Training Events

CWA — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:05:49 +0000

The first CWA training events of 2012 have been announced:

* Fertile Soils – Healthy Communities 11th Feb
+ Marketing Your Social Enterprise 23-24th Feb
* Greenwood Working & Tools – Shave Horse 3-4th Mar
+ Partnership for Enterprise 15-16th Mar

For more information or to book any of these courses please visit the “event booking” section of this website.

* These events are part of the CWA Knowledge and Skill Development Training Programme, funded by the Scottish Government Skills Development Scheme and the Robertson Trust

+ These events are part of the CWA Employability Services project, funded by Highland LEADER and the Highland Council.

Scottish Community Alliance - Community Advisor Post

CWA — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:34:09 +0000

Salary: £29,259 - £31,761
Job Type: Full time
Closing date: 10 February 2012
Location: across Scotland

The Alliance will soon begin work with the newly established JESSICA (Scotland) Trust in the design and delivery of a programme of investment into some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities. Their aim is to build local resilience by investing in community led regeneration. The Community Advisor will work alongside local anchor organisations in the development of sustainable investment proposals. For more details visit the CWA jobs page below.

�142k Enterprise Growth Fund for Laggan Forest Trust

CWA — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:40:33 +0000

Laggan Forest Trust (LFT) has been awarded £142,000 from the Scottish Government Enterprise Growth Fund. LFT will use the fund to support 3 new enterprises which will create jobs locally. These include a woodfuel enterprise, a trail building business and a campsite. The fund will also allow LFT to support to an existing enterprise in Laggan, which aims to improve Broadband provision in the area.

Online consultation on CAP Reform

CWA — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:19:14 +0000

The Scottish Government has launched an online consultation to gather views on the European Commission�s proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The consultation covers a wide range of issues and you can complete as much of the consultation as is relevant to you. Paper copies of the consultation are also available.

A second, more detailed, consultation on how the future CAP should be implemented in Scotland will be held further into the reform process.

The consultation is in three sections and can be found here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/7299/4

Scottish Wildlife Trust - Tree Nursery Manager � Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape (CALL)

CWA — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:45:19 +0000

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.

Community Enterprise - Social Enterprise Development Officer(Maternity Cover)

CWA — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:11:39 +0000

Salary : circa £27,000 depending on skills and experience
Benefits : 7.2% pension contribution
Location : West Lothian, with travel throughout Scotland
Status : Full Time (37.5 hours). The post is also open to applicants who wish to job share though we would prefer to recruit a full time post. The post is currently from April 2012 to Dec 2012, with the possibility of extension beyond that. Closing Date : 27^th February 2012

Interview planned for 9th March. For more details go to our webpage below.

CWA welcomes new Scottish Land Fund

CWA — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:55:14 +0000

The Community Woodlands Association is delighted to welcome the announcement of a £6million land fund to enable more rural communities to buy their land.

The original Scottish Land Fund, which operated from 2001-6, played a key role in supporting a number of community woodland acquisitions all across Scotland; we have been making the case for a new fund for several years now and we are pleased that persistence has been rewarded.

The new Scottish Land Fund, to be delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the BIG Lottery fund, will make available £6 million over the next three financial years - 2012/13 to 2014/15.

Further details on the scheme will be available in due course but it is expected that the fund will open to applications in summer 2012.

Bute Forest Ltd - Forester and a Forestry Assistant for Bute Community Forest

CWA — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:55:50 +0000

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:

Plantlife Scotland � Events Officer

CWA — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:20:38 +0000

Part time post (3 days a week), fixed term contract for 2 years.
Up to £19,110 p.a. pro rata plus optional contributory pension.

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.

Borders Forest Trust - Director

CWA — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:34:15 +0000

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

West Highland College UHI � Project Manager, Fort William

CWA — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:41:41 +0100

An exciting opportunity has become available to manage a Highland LEADER-funded project on developing forest skills, as part of a trans-national project with partners in Italy.

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.

Central Scotland Forest - Annual Report and Forest Review

CWA — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:55:44 +0100

This report documents the progress of the Central Scotland Forest and the Central Scotland Forest Trust (as a delivery body) between October 2010 to September 2011. It includes a review of the Trust’s physical projects such as tree planting and access improvements. It also highlights some of our social projects, undertaken over the year, including link-up work with schools and community groups as well as strategic activities which has seen Trust staff engage with a diverse variety of partner agencies across the central belt. In addition, the report includes a summary of key research revealing characteristics of our Forest users.

Boat of Garten - Woodlands Ranger

CWA — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:10:55 +0100

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.

Ullapool Community Trust Ltd -Lochbroom Woodfuels Business Implementation Manager

CWA — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:28:26 +0100

UCT are looking to recruit an energetic and self motivated individual to develop, promote and grow the business. Duties will include, developing a customer base, securing timber supply contracts and rental agreements for the processor and managing the businesses finances.

Part Time (16 hours per week, flexible)
Salary: £23 000 pro rata (1 year contract)Depending on funding post may continue past June 2013. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION - 12 Noon Monday the 28^th of May.
For more information follow the link to Jobs page.