The CWA Native Woods project liaised with four diverse Scottish community woodland groups to identify and showcase the economic and social benefits of native woodlands. The project produced four case studies (below) and a series of short films, available to watch here.
Community woodland groups own or manage a wide range of woodland types to deliver an even wider range of benefits to build sustainable, resilient and vibrant communities. With a tendency to polarisation in Scottish forestry between conifer plantations - seen as delivering economic benefits; and native woodlands - often considered purely in terms of environmental outcomes, we explored the economic and social benefits from native woodlands.
The project produced a suite of case studies and films to:
ensure greater awareness of the potential economic and social benefits of native woodland management;
increase understanding of the role and value of community woodlands amongst decision-makers across a wide range of agendas;
provide effective promotional tools for the community woodland sector, increasing awareness of the value of both woodlands and community ownership.
A report of the project was also produced and that is available here.
Case studies
In 2016, Arkaig Community Forest (ACF) purchased 1,045ha of neglected Caledonian pinewood and immediately passed 95% to Woodland Trust Scotland. They now co-manage the Forest together. The community has subsequently purchased 6ha of ancient oakwood and are investigating further land acquisition. Download the case study here. Watch the film here.
Cormonachan Community Woodlands has been working with local partners Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre to manage the woodlands for access and nature connection since 1998. Their activities to restore, preserve and open up their unique habitat deliver a wide range of outcomes. Download the case study here. Watch the film here.
Friends of Glenan Wood purchased 148ha of woodland from Forestry and Land Scotland via the Community Asset Transfer Scheme in 2019 at a cost of £294k and are working to ensure there is a balance between preserving and restoring their wood and developing projects to support the local area and people. Download the case study here. Watch the film here.
Knoydart Forest Trust was established 23 years ago and works in close partnership with Knoydart Foundation, managing 1,095 ha of forestry land which is owned by the community as part of their purchase of Knoydart Estate in 1999. The Trust is focusing on developing a circular economy through the life cycle of trees - growth, products and planting. Download the case study here. Watch the film here.
The CWA Native Woods project ran from July 2022 – February 2023 and was funded by Future Woodlands Scotland, The Scottish Forestry Trust and The Pebble Trust.
Banner Image: Volunteer work party at Cormonachan Community Woods
Picture Credit: Cormonachan Community Woodlands