Highlands and Islands Enterprise has agreed to support the proposed community purchase of the Sanquhar Woodlands in Forres, with a financial contribution from the agency'sCommunity Land Unit.

The grant will form part of a bid by the Forres Community Woodlands Trust to buy the 117.5-acre woodland, which is within easy walking distance of the town, and manage it as a community amenity area.

The Sanquhar Woodlands lie immediately to the south and east of Forres and consists mainly of semi-mature Scots pine.  Its close proximity to and accessibility from the town make it an attractive prospect for community ownership and management as an amenity area.

The closing date for offers is this Friday (4th October).  If successful in its bid, the Trust plans to identify community and management priorities for the woodland.  The group will also assess the availability of necessary skills within the community to develop the woodlands and explore future sources of funding, support and advice to help implement their plans.

Confirming the support John Watt, head of HIE's Community Land Unit, said:  "The Forres community, through the Trust, have developed clear thinking on their plans for the future of this woodland, which would generate significant social benefits as well as a number of economic opportunities.   It is an asset to which local people attach considerable value."

Chris Piper, chairman of the Forres Community Woodlands Trust, said:  "We are delighted to receive confirmation of this financial contribution which has given the Trust a huge boost in raising the necessary funds to make a realistic bid for the woodlands.  It is vital that we are successful in securing permanent community ownership of these lovely woodlands, which form such an important part of the social and environmental fabric of Forres."

Other local woodlands at Muiry and New Forres Woodlands were purchased by the Trust in 2000, a purchase that was also backed by HIE.