Last year various communities associated with the John Muir Trust met at Sconser on the Isle of Skye and considered the resources available to sustain themselves into the future. Wood was identified as one resource that could support community energy needs in the future as it is carbon neutral.
Drafting up a plan presents opportunities for those with an interest in the woodlands to become involved. Although selling Trust land to the community or an individual is not an option - some form of joint management or partnerships could be considered.
Jake Willis from the Community Woodlands Association and an experienced forester, provided examples of how communities were able to meet diverse and multiple objectives in managing woodlands if they incorporated these at the outset. For instance it is possible to plant trees for wood fuel that also allows for a network of paths for leisure/recreation purposes and increased biodiversity in addition to providing local employment. Communities across Scotland have managed woodlands through a variety of approaches – sometimes owning wood, sometimes leasing it, sometimes in partnership with another organisation. On Knoydart, the Forest Trust there have been developing the woodlands with diverse aims in mind including managing the mixed woodlands around the Inverie village to provide locally useful timber, diversity of habit and access for the public. North Harris Trust have been experimenting with growing wood for biomass.
After some lively discussions we got maps out and people started plotting the ‘wish list’ for the future. Key themes (from two meetings) were:
- Increased leisure use of woodlands including: extending the path networks; incorporating walks that are child friendly with picnic benches and good in wet/wild weather; considering wooden sculptures and involving children in design of these
- Using woods for cycling, walking and recreation
- Planting for biodiversity and wildlife
- Interest in a continued wood fuel supply - with a move over time to hard wood
- An interest in fruit trees and orchards
- Using of woods for education and history (there is a deserted village and other historical artefacts in the area).
There were contrasting approaches about how crofters viewed trees planting. On the one hand we heard about examples of how crofters had grown trees successfully - supported through the Crofter Forestry Schemes. On the other hand there was strong opposition from some to planting any trees on any croft land. It is of course for crofters to decide whether to plant on croft land or not but I do feel it is possible to find some common ground between opposing views.
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