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Did You Hear The Story of the two men in the pub? North West Mull Community Woodland Company Ltd

Did You Hear The Story of the two men in the pub? North West Mull Community Woodland Company Ltd. 28/03/2012. Background.

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Did You Hear The Story of the two men in the pub? North West Mull Community Woodland Company Ltd

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  1. Did You Hear The Story of the two men in the pub?North West Mull Community Woodland Company Ltd 28/03/2012

  2. Background The woodlands which total some 700 hectares were purchased for £342K in 2006 under the National Forest Land Scheme from Forestry Commission Scotland, with the assistance of the Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Robertson Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, significant local fundraising and an interest free loan. The purchase price reflected the fact that the woodlands were effectively isolated from the public road network.

  3. Structure • We are a Community Company, limited by Guarantee with charitable status. • The Electoral Roll in our membership area is approximately 360 • Our membership is 164 full voting members plus 62 associate and junior members • 11 Board members • 1 Full time Development Manager • 1 Administrator (2.0 days a week)

  4. Revenue Funding • In 2008 we received revenue grants from the Big Lottery and HIE which have underpinned the overheads to date but which have now expired. • The challenge of replacing this funding is significant given that our first 2 years’ timber sales revenue will be required to pay for the Haul Route and the subsequent years’ revenues are needed to support the re-fencing and re-plant programme.

  5. Key Forestry Tasks • Compile and agree a Long Term Forest Design Plan • Create a link to the A848 Tobermory - Craignure Road via a dedicated Haul Route • Obtain UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certification

  6. Long Term Forest Design Plan • Returning significant areas to native species by doubling Broadleaves to 16%, increasing open space to 20% and increasing the commercial Sitka from 47% to 49%. • Creating a more community friendly environment and extending the leisure and recreational use of the woodlands. • Preserving and enhancing the historically significant sites. • Obtaining UKWAS accreditation and thus ensuring that all activities are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.

  7. Haul Route • FES had been working to create a link between the woodlands and the A848 via the C46. • We submitted successful joint funding application to SSTTS with A&BC and FES • It was a condition of funding that we had a fully funded agreement for the construction of the Haul Route with a Harvesting Contractor and we concluded an innovative Open Book Contract with UPM Tilhill. • The Haul Route now complete and harvesting is underway with timber being exported via a floating pier. Using the floating pier initially and the fixed pier when it is constructed will save a minimum of 168,000 road miles for Langamull alone and reduce our haulage costs substantially.

  8. Haul Route Financials

  9. Forest Schools or ‘Catch ‘em young’

  10. The school aims, as part of its objectives:- • To allow pupils to learn about the ecology of the woodland and the sustainable use of the outdoor environment. • To introduce responsible risk taking which brings with it a need for higher adult/child ratios for the more challenging tasks. • From a community point of view the key factor is that the children come to view the Forest as theirs.

  11. Forest Crofts • What are they:- • Up to 4 Hectares • Cannot have more than 20% open space including house and garden ground • To ensure that the crofts remain accessible to the community they may not be purchased and de-crofted • What are they likely to be used for:- • Tree nursery • Orchards • Organic vegetables • Performance spaces • Holiday accommodation • Housing

  12. Looking Forward • A major Access and Amenity study has just been completed. • Housing • Our need • Development by means of a Joint Venture. • Micro Hydro • Full feasibility study completed and a Planning application is imminent. • Continue training – to date we have delivered :- • 8 chainsaw training courses. • A weekend course in the theory and practical skills involved in thinning woodlands. • Training in archaeological and surveying skills. • Woodfuel • Woodmizer • Building with Sitka

  13. Cluster Housing

  14. Community engagement • As a Community Company we seek involvement with other bodies within the community and this is typified by :- • Renting our office from the local church. • Working closely with the Dervaig Village Hall Committee. • Building a close relationship our local schools • Working very closely with Argyll and Bute Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and 4 local landowners and tenant farmers to deliver the Haul Route. • Maintaining a good working relationship with the RSPB • Above all we depend on the Dervaig Community for support and assistance.

  15. Thanks • FES locally and regionally • FCS locally, regionally and nationally • Argyll Timber Transport Group • Scottish Strategic Timber Transport Scheme • UPM Tilhill open book partners • Local Landowners and Tenants • HIE • Big Lottery • Argyll and the Islands LEADER

  16. Did You Hear The Story of the two men in the pub? If any questions arise after today you can contact me on :- 01688 400600 or on e-mail ian_nwmullwoodland@btconnect.com www.nwmullwoodland.co.uk

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