Wood, glorious wood

It was the Kilfinan Community Forest Open Day and I was there to officially open the new community allotments inside a big poly tunnel. I am a strong enthusiast for community ownership of forests and this project at Tighnabruaich has, despite early difficulties, already started to contribute in terms of CO2 saved, fresh local produce grown and consumed, a community enthused and finding new ways to co-operate and the development of more positive attitudes towards the environment, recycling, waste and sustainability. One venture now being developed is the supply of firewood to local consumers - hence the new cutting and splitting machine being demonstrated. I hope the next community woodland purchase in the area will be in Glendaruel, where the Development Trust now have an 18 month option, under the National Forest Land Scheme, to purchase Stronofian forest.