Campaign launches to create major new woodland for Scotland
A major £1.5m fund-raising campaign is being launched by the Woodland Trust Scotland, currently celebrating its 25th year, to purchase land and create an exciting and picturesque new native woodland just 12 miles from the centre of Glasgow.
The Trust has a unique opportunity to acquire 240 ha (600 acres) of spectacular land but has limited time to secure the site and fulfil its ambition to create a woodland legacy for future generations.
Years of neglect have degraded its natural environment but the site (north of Dumbarton) offers fantastic opportunities for native woodland creation and community involvement - with the promise of accessible green space for not only the nearby Dumbarton the but for the wider area of Glasgow and the west.
It also represents a major opportunity to improve landscape and wildlife habitat through its proposed mix of native woodland planting and pasture.
There will also be huge opportunities to involve schools and the local community in not only tree planting but also long term use of the growing the wood as an outdoor classroom.
In just 12 -15 years the area will have been transformed into flourishing young woodland providing a thriving home for wildlife and fantastic green spaces for everyone to enjoy, explains Andrew Fairbairn of the Woodland Trust.
“We have a rare opportunity to make such a major purchase delivering so many benefits in so many directions,” he said.
“This is an ambitious project for the Trust. Not only do we want to create new native woodland, we also want to create an area that will become a thriving home for wildlife and an area where we can give children the opportunity to be involved and learn about the wonders of nature.
We are appealing for help to raise the money, and we only have a limited time available in which to raise the funds so please donate”
Scotland is desperate for new native woodland he explained. “It’s one of our best habitats for wildlife but, surprisingly, is a scarce resource with only 4% of native woodland cover across Scotland and less than 2% in the lowland areas.”
Native woodland is one of our richest habitats creating a thriving home for Scottish wildlife. This is why the Trust wants to see the area of native woodland cover doubled in Scotland.
Creating new native woodland helps meet many of the key challenges that we face as a society, locking up carbon from the atmosphere, helping wildlife adapt to climate change, help to alleviate flooding, improving water quality and providing a renewable supply of timber and biomass for fuel.
The presence of trees and woods is also central to the character of many local communities, providing vital green spaces for healthy recreation.
We know from experience that a positive and inspirational experience of trees and woodland at a young age is a key step towards long term environmental commitment. Research shows that learning in an outdoor environment makes it more relevant and meaningful, it can broaden children’s outlook, improves their motivation, nurtures social skills and can generate a sense of ownership and sense of responsibility for the environment.
Those wishing to support the fundraising plans can do so quickly and securely by visiting the website www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/langcraigs or by calling 0845 293 5858
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Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
Jacqui Morris on 01355 578777 or mobile 07979 706675 alternatively call The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121, e-mail
media@woodlandtrust.org.ukThe Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.
In 1984, the Trust acquired its first wood in Scotland. In the last 25 years the Trust has increased its holdings in Scotland it now owns 80 sites across Scotland covering 8,500 hectares. Further news can be accessed via this website.