Strathnairn Community Woodlands Project
SCWP has had a very busy and productive few years, securing ownership of the woods for the community and beginning work to improve the recreation and conservation value of the two lovely areas of School and Milton Woods. Hopefully all our members have seen some benefit whether through improved access or taking part in some of the events and activities which have been held.
There are kits of ways to get involved and have your say in how the woods are managed and we would really like to encourage as many of you as possible to do so.
The management committee meets on the second Monday of every month, 7.30pm at Farr Hall - all are welcome to attend these meetings, and there was also the opportunity for a more formal commitment by becoming a new director at the AGM on 13th November - contact chair Davy Thomson for more details if you are interested on (01808) 521342.
If the more practical, hands on side of conservation appeals to you - please come along to our regular Volunteer Action days, held on the Saturday following the meeting at 10.30am - dress sensibly to take part in a range of practical tasks - details available from Davy on 342. There was a Volunteer Action Day is on Saturday 16th September - work focused on tasks relating to the cabin and its surroundings in School Wood
We are delighted to have the building work completed on the cabin and are now focusing efforts on the fixtures and fittings. The aim is to install a compost toilet, woodburning stove and some simple furniture. If you can help with any of these matters please contact Marion on (01808) 521253 - a donation of an unwanted stove, for example, would be very welcome. Also if you are interested in using the cabin for an event or activity please let us know.
The recent event at the cabin organised by Highland Council Ranger Service was the showing of the RSPB film 'Eagle Odyssey' - this atmospheric cinema under the stars took place on Saturday 16th September at 8pm - what a great night it was!
Starting from September, we are pleased to be able to offer two courses at the cabin on a trial basis: a Relaxation and Movement Session and a Creative Play Session for babies and parents/carers. These sessions will be led by local community arts worker Judith Aitken arid are free of charge - though donations to SCWP towards the cabin maintenance and upkeep will be gratefully accepted.
So please enjoy wandering the woods this autumn and this winter -and please get involved with SCWP in any way you can!
Woodland Events 2007
Recent events have been well attended with our Dawn Walk in Milton Wood on March 10th drawing some very early risers for a 630am start! Our Woodland Arts and Crafts Day on Saturday 21st April also drew large numbers from Farr and wide, and over 50 people were able to have a go at a range of activities. There was a chance to make some traditional wood benches from our own supplies of wood. Three were made on the day for use in the cabin. A pole lathe was demonstrating the making of chair legs from tree branches. Separate craft exhibits demonstrated making jewellery and decorative items out of wood and a birch craft stall was getting people to make items out of birch which were extremely popular.
The wooden xylophone made last year was refurbished, retuned and re-sited near the cabin before being checked over by Steve and Duncan.
An enjoyable day with something for everyone! The event was funded by Highland Council, Hi-Arts and the Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund and was a contribution to Highland 2007. In-kind support also came from Highland Wholefoods and Farr Primary School.
Further dates for your diary are:
- Saturday 9th June 10-4pm.Royal Botanical Society survey of our woodland flora. Volunteers needed to help with the survey which is part of a national project looking at community woodlands. All information will be fed into a data base. Meet at School Wood car park lOAM or follow the signs. Bring own refreshments.
Phone Davy (521 342) to register interest.
- Thursday 12th July.Gruffalo Kids 2-330pm at School Wood, Farr.Meet at School Wood car park.
A mouse took a stroll in a deep dark wood Come along with the Highland Council rangers and hear the Gruffalo story and meet him and his friends. This event is most suitable for families with children under 8years old. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For more details phone 01463 702933.
Now the light nights are coming in there are some evening jobs to do. If you feel like helping out phone Davy. We have Volunteer Days one Saturday a month 11-2pm to do any maintenance jobs. Contact Davy or Donald 308) for info. Next dates are: 19th May, I6~ June, 14th July. Meet at School Wood car park.
We are still looking for old bits of carpet and underlay for our cabin roof. They provide a good base for sedum and moss to grow. Let us know if you have anything.
To raise funds we wilt be selling quantities of fire wood soon. Contact Davy for prices. All monies raised will be treated as donations to the woodlands.
The cabin in School Wood is available for school and community use throughout the day and evenings. If you want more info contact Marion. General Meetings of the Woodland Trustees are on the second Monday of the month, 7.30pm at Farr Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. Come along if you are interested. See you there.
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