Dunnet Forest could become a community asset
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A BID is being made to take Dunnet Forest into community ownership by 2020.
At present, the facility is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and leased to the Dunnet Forestry Trust which runs it. But as SNH is putting the site up for sale, the trust is keen to make the forest a community asset and hopes to gain public backing for the plan and money from the Scottish Land Fund.
A petition has been launched to seek public backing for the community ownership plan and so far it is understood to have attracted around 800 signatures.
In a letter to members, trust chairman Andrew Wands said: "We believe that there will never be a better opportunity for transfer to community ownership."
He explained that discussions with SNH and the land fund have been positive but stressed there is "a lengthy process to be followed and much work to be done".
Mr Wands said a feasibility study and business plan would have to be produced along with a valuation of all forest assets.
"The cost will be paid for by the Scottish Land Fund if our stage one application to them is successful. We expect to submit the stage two application in December 2019 and complete the transfer of ownership in 2020," he wrote.
"We are at an early stage but we are confident that the outcome will be the creation of Dunnet Community Forest."
Mr Wands said that as the trust is a charity and a company limited by guarantee it is eligible to apply to the Scottish Land Fund for financial assistance to buy the forest.
"This initiative will require the support of members. Some changes to the trust's constitution will be necessary and must be approved by a general meeting of members. This will take place on Tuesday, May 7, at 7.30pm at Castlehill Heritage Centre.
"At that meeting the trustees will also seek a mandate to proceed with the transfer providing suitable financial terms can be agreed. Our aim is to secure the bulk of the purchase cost from the Scottish Land Fund but a contribution from the trust will also be necessary.
"Once the financial terms are known there will be an opportunity for members to support the purchase through voluntary donations."
The site was purchased by the Forestry Commission in 1954 and was driven by a need to replenish timber stocks after World War II.
Scottish Natural Heritage acquired the land from the Forestry Commission in 1984. The site covers 104 hectares, around half of which has developed into mature forest, the remainder being open space, scattered trees and scrub woodland.
In the late 1990s, a European Union-funded project upgraded much of the path network, and created an all-abilities trail.
Dunnet Forestry Trust, with the assistance of a team of volunteers, has been restructuring the forest – felling "at risk" areas and restocking them and other parts with a mix of conifers and broadleaves.
A SNH spokeswoman said yesterday: "We are exploring the possible sale of Dunnet Forest to the Dunnet Forestry Trust. This locally based community trust has been managing the forest through a lease for more than 15 years and we are keen to explore the possibility of making a permanent arrangement."
