In conjunction with Scottish Biodiversity Fortnight, Comhairle nan Eilean SiarS, SNH, Forestry Commission Scotland and Trees for Life are pleased to announce the launch of its new woodland booklet entitled: Native Woodland in the Western Isles a Guide to its Restoration. The booklet aims to increase people’s awareness of native woodland in the Western Isles and offers advice on how to protect and expand the habitat for future generations.

Present for the launch of the booklet were the Western Isles Woodland Steering Group, Councillor Archie Campbell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee along with guest visitors Dr Bob Mackintosh (Director, Forestry Commission Scotland), Dr Calum Macdonald (Non Executive Commissioner, Forestry Commission UK) and Bob Dunsmore (Conservator, Forestry Commission Scotland, Highland Conservancy). Along with the launch of the booklet the Forestry Commission were present to witness the progress of woodland development in the Western Isles over the past three years through the Western Isles Locational Premium Woodland Grant.

During their visit the party had a look at native woodland schemes in Arvourlie and Boglass, Community Woodland at Aline and crofter forestry schemes at Leurbost and Lower Barvas. It is hoped by the Woodland Steering Group that given the level of interest shown for woodland establishment in the Western Isles through the current grant scheme that a similar scheme can be secured for future woodland projects under the new Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme (SFGS).

Councillor Archie Campbell commented: “I am very pleased to announce the launch of the Native Woodland Booklet in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland, SNH and Trees for Life. The Comhairle also look’s forward to continuing it’s strong working relationship with Forestry Commission Scotland in the future.”

Bob McIntosh said “The identification, safeguarding and expansion of native woodlands is a priority in the Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme and this is also reflected in the Western Isles Woodland Strategy. The new booklet will be a valuable tool in supporting native woodlands in the Western Isles.

Copies of the new woodland booklet will be available on request from the CnES Comhairle’s Woodland Project Officer at the following address:

Steven Liddle
Woodland Project Officer
CnES
Achmore Old School
Achmore
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9DU
s.liddle@cne-siar.gov.uk

The woodland booklet will also be available online on the CnES Woodlands Web page at: www.cne-siar.gov.uk/woodlands/index.htm

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk