05 May, 2020
SNH decision on Dunnet Forest sale announced
A local trust has ambitious plans for land at Dunnet Forest, Caithness, following a community asset transfer agreement with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Dunnet Forest – a popular recreational area with a network of sheltered forest footpaths – is currently managed by the community trust under a lease from SNH. The trust manages the forest for public recreation, restoring natural habitats and selling firewood. Covering around 105 acres, the area is part of the Dunnet Links Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Sally Thomas, SNH’s Director of People and Nature, said:
“This agreement is excellent news, and SNH is really pleased to sell the land to the Dunnet Forestry Trust. The trust has put a lot of work into managing the forest under a lease agreement with us for the last 18 years. We believe that community ownership will allow them to increase their work in the forest, leading to many new initiatives and public benefits.”
The trust is now working on a long-term forest plan for the period from 2020-25. Under the proposed plan, woodland enhancement will continue to be a core activity. The trust is also committed to visitor improvements, including providing all-abilities access, a children’s play area, vegetable plots, and a small scale sawmill.
David Glass, Vice Chairman of the Dunnet Forestry Trust, said:
“We are all absolutely delighted that the trust’s asset transfer request has been agreed by SNH’s board and thank them for the speed and efficiency with which they assessed our request. We look forward to taking ownership of this important community asset in Caithness and are now awaiting the results of our Stage 2 application to the Scottish Land Fund which was submitted in March.”
The Dunnet Forestry Trust has applied for a grant under the Scottish Land Fund to buy the land from SNH. The trust has passed the first stage, which means it has been judged as an eligible project and is now awaiting word on their Stage 2 application.
ENDS
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Notes to editors
The land was acquired by SNH’s predecessor, the Nature Conservancy Council, in 1985 when the land was part of the former Dunnet Links National Nature Reserve (NNR). The NNR was de-declared in 2004 but the Forest still lies within Dunnet Links Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The SSSI is protected for its sand dune geological and biological interests, although the occurrence of these features within the Forest is very limited.
Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, Dunnet Forestry Trust requested the transfer of Dunnet Forest into its ownership in order to enable them to have local control for community benefit of a significant natural resource. The Trust’s objectives are to manage the land as a mixed woodland with an extensive path network and other facilities for public recreation and enjoyment as well as the production of forest products.
SNH Northern Isles and North Highland Area (NINH) made a full assessment of the request in accordance with Scottish Government Best Value guidelines and included in their consideration the wider public benefits that might come from the transfer. Following the assessment, the SNH Board endorsed the asset transfer request.
The Scottish Land Fund is a programme which supports community organisations across Scotland to own land, buildings and other assets. Funded by the Scottish Government, grants of up to £1 million are available.
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