Anonymous donation helps community to secure purchase of Dornoch Woodland
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A charity set up to own and lease community assets in Dornoch has purchased Earls Cross Woodland from Sutherland Estates – thanks to an anonymous donation.
The Dornoch Trust have secured the asset with the aim of ensuring that the woodland will always remain in the hands of the Dornoch Community and will never be developed for road or housing purposes.
The Trust has begun work in the woodland, with experienced contractors and the support of Highland Council, to remove dangerous trees and poor quality self-sown saplings. The Trust hopes that this will ensure a real maintenance programme is in place to encourage the growth of good quality new trees.
The acquisition of the woodland, which extends over 13 acres (5.38 hectares) and lies between Station Road and Earls Cross in Dornoch, was financed by an anonymous donation and works have been undertaken with small grants from the Dornoch Common Good Fund and North Highland Initiative.
Patrick Murray, chair of Dornoch Trust said: "We are delighted to have secured the future of this woodland and we encourage the community to enjoy the woods and the walks and to come and take part".
Lynne Mahoney, curator of History Links said: “It is fantastic that the woodland in Dornoch has come into the care of The Dornoch Trust. This historic woodland holds the potential for all sorts of educational and leisure activities. Historylinks Museum looks forward to running and taking part in events that will bring the community together to enjoy this beautiful space”.
Looking ahead, the Trust hopes to improve signage and paths, including creating better access to users with limited mobility. The Trust also plans to encourage schools, charities like Historylinks, and other bodies to use the woodland for the benefit of the whole community.
They are also hopeful that volunteers will come forward to share their ideas and to help with ongoing maintenance. Anyone wishing to do so, is asked to contact dornochtrust@gmail.com with any ideas or comments they may have.
