Coille Coimhearsnachd na Comraich | Applecross Community Woodland was established in 2019. The project is managed by Applecross Community Company and is led by a group of local volunteers, the Community Woodland Steering Group (CWSG), who together with the Woodland Development Officer oversee planning and development.
Acquisition of land to develop projects that deliver community benefit and achieve ACC’s mission and vision for the local community has been a long-term objective for the organisation. Almost all of the 26,000ha Applecross peninsula is owned by the Applecross Trust. With support from the Scottish Land Fund and other stakeholders, ACC has successfully acquired a number of sites, including:
- a 0.08ha plot with three affordable houses
- a 2.3ha plot for the allotment, community garden and future affordable houses
- Camusterrach Church for the development of a Community Hub
- public toilets
- filling station
Through the support of the Scottish Land Fund, Applecross Community Company (ACC) acquired the 14.5-hectare site of Torgarve in 2021. In the same year, following a feasibility study and the development of a 25-year business plan, clear-fell operations were carried out to remove eight hectares of mature Sitka spruce. The income generated from the timber enabled ACC to make a substantial contribution to the five-year development phase of the project, as well as keeping a reserve for long-term maintenance.
Our first year of development (2022-2023) was supported by Highland Coastal Communities Fund, Community Woodland Association and North Highland Initiative. In collaboration with Appleseed Community Garden and the Applecross Primary School and Nursery, we established a community tree nursery growing 3000 sessile oak and hazel trees which will be used for our woodland restocking activities and held several community events including a Harvest Festival with storytelling, foraging and craft activities. A volunteer programme to construct a timber-frame shelter on site and improve wood-working skills was led by local joiner George Graham. The shelter provides space for storage of equipment, tools, a workspace for volunteers and a welcome shelter for walkers to the site.
In 2023, ACC secured four-year funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the development phase of Coille Coimhearsnachd na Comraich | Applecross Community Woodland. The project, ‘Restoring the Living Heritage of Coille a’ Thorra Ghairbh, Applecross’ will restore the site to Atlantic rainforest habitat improving its biodiversity while promoting and showcasing its archaeological features. The project will be delivered in partnership with the Applecross Historical Society to design Gaelic-led interpretation which will demonstrate the interdependence of our cultural and natural heritage.
ACC is very grateful for this funding which means the organisation can plan a range of activities: including growing more species such as Scots pine, designing the woodland planting plan, and engaging a wider range of people in heritage with opportunities for green skills and improving well-being. The funding supports a Woodland Development Officer, capacity-building for staff and volunteers, development of amenities, educational spaces, a digital platform for the project and long-term income-generating opportunities.
We look forward to working in close partnership with the Historical Society, Applecross Primary School, Appleseed Community Garden and Allotments, and Applecross Archaeological Association, and many other community groups and individuals who will contribute and enjoy the benefits of this project.
It has been a busy start to 2024! Applecross Primary School and Nursery have weekly outdoor learning sessions on site, and volunteers have been working hard to clad the timber-frame shelter. Together with Applecross Historical Society and Gaelic Development Officer, Anna Macquarrie, the community are researching the history of the site and recently enjoyed an inspiring research trip to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to explore Gaelic-led approaches to interpretation. We are now developing the woodland planting plan and recently held a community consultation to gather ideas and inspiration for the design. The tender for our woodland survey was awarded to Taylor Wildlife consultancy, and we now have a detailed soil map and habitat survey which will inform the planting plan. The Community Woodland Association’s mentorship programme has partnered us with professional forester Syd House as we finalise plans before planting begins in November 2024.
