This section of the website is a mini site created to inform the community on the developments and news on the proposed community woodland buy out. It also has a number of resource documents for those of us who are involved in trying to make the project a reality.
The Concept: As many will know, Letham resident Cathy Bache runs Scotlands only outdoor nursery (The Secret Garden) in the woods behind Letham (up School Brae past the school and up the track. The woods are on the left hand side). Following discussions with the landowner it has become clear that a their exists an ooportunity for the community to purchase the woods and retain them as an asset for future years and generations. This will give the community significant control of the land and allow the forest to be managed by the community for the community.
Why Bother?: Currently the community has no control or opportunity to shape the land around us. With the Community Ownership, the Land Reform Act and Specialist funding now available, we will be able to look to the future and shape our community in the way we want it to.
The Method: A number of residents have come together to explore this possibility by establishing Monimail Woodland Group. We plan to act in partnership with other community stakeholders such as the Community Council, local businesses, landowners and the local authority. This we see as a first step to the next stage of establishing a community trust.
The story so far: There has been a lot of interest and support in the community for the woodland buy out. There have been a number of meetings to look at the way forward. On 27th February 2008, a group of about 15 of us were given a presentation by Andrew Thompson of the Community Woodland Association. The presentation set out a suggested road map for the group and how to access funds and grants. This project will not detract funds from other community ventures.
The Way Ahead: The first step was the creation of the association and that has now happened. The next step is to apply for initial lottery funding to commission feasibility reports and to fund a public consultation on the setting up of a community trust. If agreed by the community, the trust would be created and bid to the main lottery fund for money to allow the purchase of the wood.
Options: There exist a number of options for the way ahead and these will be presented during the public consultation phase. Do we want to just stop at the woodland? Would we consider buying land for other sustaniable development opportunities eg. Orchards? What other facilities do people in the community want..an internet café? a coffee shop? a pub? Please feel free to contact us through the Internet forum, at meetings (you don't have to do anything!) or in person.