As a voluntary initiative, Mind the Gap recently completed a community consultation to contribute to the Land Management Plan for Balloch Woods being undertaken by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).
Balloch Woods are 93 hectares of community woodland behind the village of Creetown, where Mind the Gap has its offices. The three main objectives of the management plan are:
- Boosting local community involvement, including issues of access and contributions to people’s health,
- Biodiversity goals that include conversion to broadleaf or mixed conifer woodlands, while
- Restoring priority habitats such as Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland.
The consultation revealed high levels of community interest in Balloch Wood, appreciation for involvement in the LMP process, and enthusiasm for local engagement in decisions about the Woods. Some of the key takeaways from the consultation included:
- The woods are very popular and much appreciated. People have a variety of reasons for visiting them – often more than one reason. The main reasons given were to relax and get fresh air; mental health and well-being; and to be with friends or family.
- The woods are especially appreciated for being safe, local and accessible; for bringing a sense of peace and tranquility; connection to nature; and changing through the seasons.
- Top priorities for questionnaire respondents were clear. These were: to improve drainage on muddy, wet paths; better information boards/signage; replacing the old bridge; general maintenance and enhancing habitat.
- People are in broad agreement with the draft Land Management Plan goals and proposals, including:
- Boosting community engagement and access for people’s health and wellbeing
- Supporting proposals to remove the dead/diseased larch as soon as is practical
- Generally favouring native tree species, and
- Agreeing with FLS’s ambitions for priority habitat restoration and biodiversity.
A big thanks to all those in the village who completed questionnaires or took part in interviews and a focus group, especially given how the consultation was constrained by COVID regulations. Special thanks to friends at the Balloch Wood Community Venture and to FLS staff in Newton Stewart.
To learn more about the consultation and what we found, check out the report here!
