A community on the Isle of Mull has taken over a plantation previously run by the Scottish Forestry Commission. A charitable company set up by local people has turned the forest into a valuable resource for the community, and is using the proceeds from commercial timber harvesting to fund a range of sustainable development opportunities.
As a direct result of community ownership, a local school teacher has trained to be a “Forest School” leader and two local primary schools take part in weekly Forest School sessions. The company has created a dedicated teaching and campfire area with shelter and storage facilities, and an outdoor venue is also planned, providing a space for education and entertainment.
Promoting the cultural heritage of the forest and linking with the schools has increased the local community’s ownership of the project.
