Uigshader Living Forest Project
Donation protected
Uigshader Living Forest Project came together as a group in late 2016 with the sole aim of rehabilitating and reinvigorating the 210 acre clear felled former commercial forestry plantation at Uigshader on the Isle of Skye. The organisation holds 3 broad aims which run through the veins of the project;
Sustainability
Developing a sustainable method of management for the land, enshrined in our articles of association.
Ecology
Preserving, reinstating and establishing valuable habitats
Community
Creating opportunities for people to live, work, enjoy and thrive
The 210 acre site upon which Uigshader Living Forest Project is based is owned and managed entirely by the organisation and run as a not for profit workers cooperative.
Since buying the land, ULFP has been working alongside Reforesting Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland, Peatland Action and other bodies to develop a sustainable management plan for the site and to ensure the conservation reflects the priority habitats from the Skye and Lochalsh biodiversity plan . We have been surveying the land and drawing together a restoration plan.
Alongside this, there has been a considerable effort to develop and upgrade necessary infrastructure around the land, a large chunk of which has been upgrading the dilapidated stock height fence to a new 2 metre high deer fence around the entirety of the 6km perimeter. The construction of this fence is seen by all concerned forestry and peatland conservation authorities as being essential before any replanting or restoration can commence, as grazing impacts can be devastating to these delicate habitats . We ourselves bear witness to the huge impact grazing animals can have on the naturally regenerated saplings around the site.
As our planting plan is classed as a 'restock', we are not eligible for any grant funding to help with the fence, as is currently available for the creation of 'new woodlands' . To reduce the cost, we made the decision to build the fence ourselves. One year ago we received free fencing tuition from a good friend and have now erected around 3km of stock proof (1m high) fencing, built entirely by members of the organisation, volunteers, friends and family all offering their free time, and funded entirely by donations from ULFP members and friends.
Sustainability
Developing a sustainable method of management for the land, enshrined in our articles of association.
Ecology
Preserving, reinstating and establishing valuable habitats
Community
Creating opportunities for people to live, work, enjoy and thrive
The 210 acre site upon which Uigshader Living Forest Project is based is owned and managed entirely by the organisation and run as a not for profit workers cooperative.
Since buying the land, ULFP has been working alongside Reforesting Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland, Peatland Action and other bodies to develop a sustainable management plan for the site and to ensure the conservation reflects the priority habitats from the Skye and Lochalsh biodiversity plan . We have been surveying the land and drawing together a restoration plan.
Alongside this, there has been a considerable effort to develop and upgrade necessary infrastructure around the land, a large chunk of which has been upgrading the dilapidated stock height fence to a new 2 metre high deer fence around the entirety of the 6km perimeter. The construction of this fence is seen by all concerned forestry and peatland conservation authorities as being essential before any replanting or restoration can commence, as grazing impacts can be devastating to these delicate habitats . We ourselves bear witness to the huge impact grazing animals can have on the naturally regenerated saplings around the site. As our planting plan is classed as a 'restock', we are not eligible for any grant funding to help with the fence, as is currently available for the creation of 'new woodlands' . To reduce the cost, we made the decision to build the fence ourselves. One year ago we received free fencing tuition from a good friend and have now erected around 3km of stock proof (1m high) fencing, built entirely by members of the organisation, volunteers, friends and family all offering their free time, and funded entirely by donations from ULFP members and friends.
The completion of a deer proof fence around the land will ultimately springboard the project onto its next phases, planting over 30,000 trees, comprising a broad range of mixed native species, as well as restoring 37 hectares of deep peat, some of which has been identified as being almost 6 metres deep. Furthermore, ULFP will be looking to develop sustainable enterprises and projects which will create employment and help to financially support the future management of the woodland and peat bog conservation, as well as allowing for the wider community to utilise the woodland for recreation and as an educational platform. ULFP hope to explore and develop plans for a sawmill, tree nursery, visitor centre, adventure playground and forest school.
Reinstated woodland areas will undergo a transformation in management procedures, with parts being designated as tenanted woodland crofts , woodland commonty and the hopeful establishment of a recreational hutting site, all of which will enshrine the values of ULFP, and protect the land, its habitats and communities for generations to come.
The cost to implement the first phase of the conservation is c.£25,000 for the construction of a 6km deer fence; (materials only)
In addition to this we also need to spend funds on forestry equipment and tools, travel costs, hosting volunteers, building work spaces and basic systems to make working on site easier such as solar power, rainwater collection, volunteer kitchen and composting toilet.
We have set a fundraising target of £10,000 which is the amount we need to purchase the remainder of the fencing materials. Reaching this target will help us accelerate the restoration. Once the fence is complete we can then work towards meeting our larger conservation goals of peat restoration and for growing, buying and planting out trees. The sooner we can complete the fence, the sooner the land can start to regenerate.
Thanks for giving your time to read about our project. If you would like more information about ULFP or are interested in helping out through one of our volunteer sessions, please get in touch with us through our website or facebook page, and if you are able to donate, we will be hugely grateful.
Reinstated woodland areas will undergo a transformation in management procedures, with parts being designated as tenanted woodland crofts , woodland commonty and the hopeful establishment of a recreational hutting site, all of which will enshrine the values of ULFP, and protect the land, its habitats and communities for generations to come.
The cost to implement the first phase of the conservation is c.£25,000 for the construction of a 6km deer fence; (materials only)
In addition to this we also need to spend funds on forestry equipment and tools, travel costs, hosting volunteers, building work spaces and basic systems to make working on site easier such as solar power, rainwater collection, volunteer kitchen and composting toilet.
We have set a fundraising target of £10,000 which is the amount we need to purchase the remainder of the fencing materials. Reaching this target will help us accelerate the restoration. Once the fence is complete we can then work towards meeting our larger conservation goals of peat restoration and for growing, buying and planting out trees. The sooner we can complete the fence, the sooner the land can start to regenerate.
Thanks for giving your time to read about our project. If you would like more information about ULFP or are interested in helping out through one of our volunteer sessions, please get in touch with us through our website or facebook page, and if you are able to donate, we will be hugely grateful.
Fundraising team (7)
Ri Gordon
Organizer
Bill Boggia
Team member
David Logan
Team member
Frazer Graham
Team member
Megan Potter
Team member
