Forestry Commission Scotland is hoping to encourage support for community woodland projects in the Stranraer area after success in helping to attract ?39,500 for a community park in East Ayrshire.
The money for the Ayrshire project at Bellsbank Woodland was awarded out of the Fresh Futures programme which aims to improve the quality of life in Scottish communities. From the cash boost, a community roundhouse and bird-hide, made from timber donated by the Commission, is to be built, as well as a small network of new woodland paths.
Foresters in Galloway are hopeful that the success of the Ayrshire project could have positive spin-offs closer to home. Dunragit wood, six miles east of Stranraer, has real potential for a community led initiative. The wood is already being used by locals so any improvements would benefit the community.

Lyndy Renwick, Galloway's communities ranger for Forestry Commission Scotland said:
"We are delighted for the community at Bellsbank who put in a lot of hard work in the project. It's a great example of what can be achieved by organisations if they work together. Our hope is to develop similar schemes in the Stranraer area where we can use Forestry Commission Scotland land to develop skills, train people, improve the environment and improve health.
"The Ayrshire project demonstrates that working with the local community can achieve a lot with a small dedicated group of willing people. The knock on benefits of projects like these are great for many people. A major step was involving volunteer groups with people from all segments of society who have previously not been able to venture out to the forest, but are now enthusiastic and eager to work in the woods for the benefit of the community and themselves. We have less-able and people with learning difficulties all benefiting from the activities both in the community wood and further afield.
"Real qualifications are also being obtained which helps towards long-term employment and all the additional recreation facilities which go to making the forest a better place for visitors and tourists. We've had success in many areas of Galloway but are now wanting to take things forward in the Stranraer area."
If anyone is interested in getting more involved in their local forests and woodlands then they should contact Lyndy on 01671 402 420 or email her on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More information on the Fresh Futures programme can be obtained by logging on to www.fresh-futures.org.uk.
Media enquiries to Keith Muir or Lyndy Renwick at Galloway Forest District on 01671 402 420 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland, 0131 314 6508.
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