Love trees? Want to help nature? Then help us take the first steps to restoring Broadford Community Woodland!
There’s lots of opportunities to get involved in this exciting new project, made possible through funding by the Highlands & Islands Environment Foundation.
Broadford Community Woodland is owned by BSCC on behalf of the community. Situated on the edge of Broadford village next to Camping Skye and the Growers Hub, the site comprises approx 3 hectares of plantation conifers, and 16 hectares of open ground mixed with naturally regenerating trees.
The long term ambition is to transform the woodland to support nature and biodiversity while also improving access. This will involve removing / thinning conifers, planting native species (as far as possible from our own Community Tree Nursery), and restoring a range of habitats.
Over the next 12 months we’ll be doing vital preparatory work that will help us achieve those goals. There will be a range of opportunities to get involved, whether through regular volunteering or one-off events – programme to be announced soon. Focusing on the more open areas of the woodland, we will:
- Survey species and habitats to create a biodiversity baseline
- Remove invasive and non-native species such as fuschia and self-seeded Sitka
- Plant the first native trees from our Community Tree Nursery
- Test low-cost deer protection methods such as brash fencing
- Trial ways to create small-scale new habitats
- Create informal paths to improve access
We’ll also be offering training and learning opportunities and setting up a Community Advisory Group to help shape the future of the woodland.
The project will be led by Tree Nursery Project Officer Phil Knott, who will continue to run the Community Tree Nursery volunteer programme alongside it.
Watch this space for more details of volunteer opportunities and how to get involved. Or register your interest by dropping Phil a line at phil@broadfordandstrath.org
Read more about the funding award on the HIEF website.