Carsphairn Community Woodland Exchange Visit

Carsphairn Community Woodland took ownership of part of Muirdrochwood Forest in 2021 and has never looked back! CWA would like to invite its members to visit Carsphairn Community Woodland, in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway.

David McMillan, Chair of Carsphairn Community Woodland, says: "Carsphairn is a rural community working towards regeneration of an area with low employment opportunities and few outdoor community facilities. Taking ownership of this area of woodland within Muirdrochwood Forest enables us to manage it sustainably for recreation and the well-being of the local residents and visitors, whilst enhancing the natural environment. 

New footpaths and a wildlife hide have enhanced local recreational and learning opportunities for the community and restructuring the woodland will maximise the benefit for both people and wildlife, providing a much-needed outdoor space for the community. A sustainable, local, wood fuel supply was established, and a mobile sawmill provides a source of sawn timber, helping provide local employment, including a Pre-Apprentice. A tree nursery has recently also been established.” 

This is a fabulous opportunity for members of CWA to visit another community woodland who are at the early stages of all their plans, and to exchange, share and glean information, knowledge and skills from each other.  

The Board at Carsphairn would like to welcome you on site at 10am on Saturday 23rd March 2024, and throughout the day, share with you the following: 

• A discussion about Carsphairn Community Woodland and the journey they are on. 
• A walk around the site to see all the different aspects of the woodland as well as the hide. 
• Explore the shed site and equipment and experience a demonstration at the sawmill and log processor. 
• Explore the tree nursery and hear about the seed collections taking place. 
• Visit the timber store building, which is nearing completion and was built by volunteers. 
• 3pm – home. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day. 

It is hoped that during this exchange visit, participants will:  

• Learn some of the projected plans that Carsphairn has and about the results already achieved.  
• Learn about the individual projects at Carsphairn. 
• Learn about some of the collaborations that support this community woodland group. 
• Learn from each other and share experiences on how to overcome challenges in other community woodlands.   

Please note a contribution to your travel expenses may be possible subject to funding, on submission of an expenses form. Should you require accommodation, please discuss with sharon@communitywoods.org, as any accommodation would only be refunded subject to available funding. 

Due to limited shelter, please do ensure you bring wet weather clothing and stout footwear. Should you have limited mobility please do contact sharon@communitywoods.org to discuss.  

Applications close at noon on Thursday 14th March to allow for Carsphairn to prepare for the event – 20 places only, so do not delay!