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News OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THE NHFT TEAM - FAR NORTH WOODLAND BIODIVERSITY PROJECT:Biodiversity Forester (Part time)Contractor for North Aspen Woods Survey.more....Funding for Northern Aspen Project and new Wood Pasture Project - NHFT have been awarded funding for a continuation of its existing Aspen project and for a new Wood Pasture project. |
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Dunnet Forestry Trust Dunnet Forestry Trust was established in 2002 to take on community management of Dunnet Forest, on the north Caithness coast. The Trust is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status and a community membership of over 400. Dunnet Forest, which covers 104 hectares and is part of the Dunnet Links SSSI, was established in the 1950s by the Forestry Commission. A range of species were planted, with varying success – in 2002 the forest was over 50% Lodgepole pine, with significant areas of Sitka spruce, Corsican and Mountain pine, a few Sycamore, and about 10% open space.
DFT is in the process of “restructuring” the forest – felling and thinning the mature conifer plantations, and replanting with a wider mix of broadleaves and conifers, to increase the structural and species diversity. Most of the timber felled is sold as firewood, with some sales of spruce roundwood. The forest is a very important recreational and educational resource, with an estimated 20,000 visits pa, including c. 1,000 schoolchildren on formal trips. The Trust is working to enhance recreational provision, and has recently extended all-abilities access to 1.6km, and established mountain bike and equestrian trails. In total there are over 15km of paths in the forest.
A successful “Open Day” was held in August 2006, with a variety of attractions, including chainsaw carving, wood-turning, storytelling and the woodland orchestra, drawing approx 400 people to the forest. Orienteering events for schools and Scout groups have been held, and the Forest has also provided a venue for other community-based activities and training events. During 2007 a series of sculptures will be installed in the forest as part of our contribution to the Highland Year of Culture, and a number of arts events will be held in the forest. For more details of these events, and further information on the management of Dunnet Forest, please contact: Dunnet Forestry Trust, Harland, Castletown, Caithness, KW14 8UD Tel 01847 821527 Email: info@dunnetforest.org Web: www.dunnetforest.org
NHFT assisted in the preparation of the silvicultural management plan. The group have moved on from this original management plan - Jon Hollingdale, Forest Manager.
Site last updated: 25/09/2008 |
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Site Design by Marlyn Price |
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