Woodland hopes take a big step in Inverness
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A POPULAR woodland in Inverness is a step closer to community ownership after the group seeking to take it on asked the public for its visions for its future.
Culduthel Woods is currently ownerless, owing to a quirk of history, and locals are seeking to take it on to secure its future as a community resource.
The Culduthel Woods Group was set up to secure that goal, and is currently in the process of formally taking over ownership.
And, in anticipation of that goal, it has now launched a public consultation to help shape its future management plan for the site. A spokesman said: “The plan will set out our vision for how we want the woods to look and feel like in the future
“[This includes] the sorts of projects we want to do – such as paths, signs, fence removal, cutting rhododendrons – how we will address some controversial issues like litter and bikes in the woods, and how we will involve people in the community, especially young people.”
To have your say, visit www.culduthelwoods.org and respond by April 23.
Murray Ferguson, chairman of the Culduthel Woods Group, is keen to hear from as many people as possible so that the range of public uses of the woodlands – from mountain bikers to dog walkers – strike the right balance.
He added that the group was also working closely with the nearby Inverness Royal Academy to get pupils and staff involved and that the school was “very enthusiastic and supportive”.
The group is also keen to increase the range of trustees who sit on its board in order to “make good decisions” about how to manage the woods.
Up to 11 trustees can sit on the board and it is seeking “a good spread of skills, knowledge and experience”.
The group holds about six meetings a year.
“Hopefully you will want to do more and take on some of the key tasks we need to do – especially helping with communications, fundraising, member recruitment and organising volunteer work parties,” said the spokesman.
- For details call 07729 049809 or visit www.culduthelwoods.org/contact-us.
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