Community Group Secures Funding for Forest Acquisition

A community organization, established by dog walkers in the Borders region, has obtained close to £600,000 to facilitate the acquisition of a 56-hectare (140 acre) forest. Broughtonknowe Community Woodland (BCW) intends to purchase the property, located in a valley situated between Peebles and Biggar, with the aim of maintaining its use as a green space and enhancing biodiversity. This financial assistance from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF) represents one of 10 grants distributed nationwide, collectively amounting to almost £2m. Ian Brooke, who serves as the chair of BCW, stated that the group was “absolutely delighted” by receiving such a “substantial grant” for their £900,000 project. He further commented, “The woodland has been used by local people for many years for recreation and wellbeing, and is a haven for wildlife, having been sympathetically managed by the current owner.” He continued, “The local community have come together to support a community buyout and this investment will mean we will have more than three quarters of the cost of the purchase price and we will continue to appeal for the remaining balance leading to a spring 2025 purchase.” Brooke expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you to the SLF for its confidence in our plans and for recognising that this is a well-used, special place and with a community purchase, it will be protected for ever more.” Mairi Gougeon, the rural affairs secretary, commented that each group awarded SLF funding served as an “example of people coming together to take really positive, practical action to create a place for others to come together and benefit the community”. Cara Gillespie of the SLF indicated that the fund’s objective was to provide funding “targeted directly at local needs”. She further added, “The groups involved have developed strategic goals and clear ambitions about how these assets will help their localities to thrive.” Besides the acquisition of the Broughton woodland, other organizations set to receive benefits include: