New log building marks the beginning of a new era for MCWT

The official opening of the Milton Community Woodland Trust's (MCWT) new log workshop and store on Saturday 30th April marked the beginning of a new era for the Trust and the community it serves.

The log cabin style building provides permanent storage for timber, a workshop and a venue for exhibitions and events within the 30-acre Milton Community Woodland, which sits adjacent to the village of Milton in Easter Ross.

The £30,000 building, which was part-funded by the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust (MFST), Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) and the European Union under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme, will enable the Trust to begin a series of events to raise awareness of the current and potential benefits of the woodland.  Forestry Commission Scotland donated the logs for the project.

Upcoming events include an 'Art for a Laugh' workshop, 'Minibeasts and the Magic Wood Factory', photography for kids workshop, as well as session on making rag rugs, bird boxes and baskets.

The creation of this building has also led to the employment of David Russell, a community forester, who will organise the training workshops and implement the management of the woodland. The two-year post has been funded by the Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Fund, Leader Plus and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The MCWT, which was set up in 1997, currently has 30 members and is run by a voluntary board of directors. The aim of the Trust is to continue the sustainable management of the woodland in ways that benefit the local community and economy.

MCWT's management of the woodland primarily involves controlled felling of sycamore and replanting with native species. Although sycamore is often regarded as a weed it is very useful timber if stored correctly to increase its value, which is why the log building store was so important.

The building was officially opened on Saturday by Margaret Davidson, vice chairperson of the Community Woodland Association and children from the local community, and was followed by woodland related activities and demonstrations and a barbeque - the charcoal for which was made from MCWT wood.

Christel Smeets, chairperson of the MCWT said: "We are delighted that this building is complete, and would like to thank all the funders, contractors and volunteers involved.  We can now get started on many of the plans the Trust has, such as the educational activities. Having a permanent base is crucial, and without it we couldn't have created the community forester's post, which will be pivotal in delivering the aims of the Trust."

Liz Whiteford, the Fearn Peninsula CED Officer said: "Considerable value can be added to timber if it is properly stored and dried, and this new log store will provide MCWT with a great opportunity to maximise the economic benefits of their woodland management and move towards greater sustainability."

Nicola Ewing, development manager at RACE, added: "This project will bring a range of benefits to Milton and the surrounding communities. The workshop space will provide a base for training courses and practical experience, which will help enhance the local skills base and give people greater opportunities for employment or small business development."