Gearchoille Wood 20th anniversary of community ownership to be marked at Summer Solstice day of events
Gearchoille Community Wood, near Ardgay, is celebrating a milestone later this month.
It is 20 years since a group was formed to take ownership of the oakwood on behalf of the local community.
And a day of fun family-friendly events is being organised on Friday, June 21, to celebrate the anniversary and the summer solstice.
Gearchoille Wood comprises 30 acres of semi-natural ancient broadleaved woodland, predominantly oak and birch.
Part of the woodland was leased for community use by Balnagown Estates through Highland Council in 1998, but disagreements over the area of wood led to the lease lapsing. The wood was gifted to the community by the estate in 2003.
Since then access has been improved, the former curling pond has been restored as a wildlife pond and the wood is used as a venue for a variety of community events.
Betty Wright, a director of Gearchoille Community Wood, said: “Over the years we have been lucky enough to have had input from many organisations and individuals carrying out monitoring work, including nest boxes and bird ringing, pond and amphibian surveys, moth recording, lichen safaris, fungi forays, and dragonfly watching.
“In addition we have organised various events for the community – pond dipping, bug hunts, bushcraft events, art in the woods, five pathways to nature, forest bathing and woodland play.
“Santa and his reindeer have also visited a couple of times (but the reindeer ate some rather nice lichen, so they weren’t invited back). We also have have monthly volunteer afternoons to carry out woodland maintenance and path construction as required.”
The summer solstice event runs from 11am to 5pm on June 21 and includes a moth count and identification session, lichen safari, pond dipping and bug hunt, and arts and crafts. There will be guided walks and willow weaving all day. Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch but hot drinks will be provided. Children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Mrs Wright said: “We hope that as many as possible of those who have contributed over the years can join us, both to contribute to events or simply have a chat and enjoy the woods in good company. If you have any photos of events in the wood, please let us know.”
