Newbattle Community Forest
Engaging people of all ages, particularly those in areas of deprivation, by offering learning and training environment within a 125 acre estate
Engaging people of all ages, particularly those in areas of deprivation, by offering learning and training environment within a 125 acre estate
Our innovative Newbattle Community Forest Project builds upon our role as Scotland’s first Forest College, offering a learning and training environment in our 125 acre estate. The project seeks to engage people of all ages, particularly those in areas of deprivation. We will involve communities in Midlothian, East Lothian and South Edinburgh in engaging with greenspaces and in particular, the Newbattle heritage estate. This includes Lord Ancrum’s Wood, which is on the east bank of the River South Esk, comprising 21 hectares of woodland.
We already offer a Rural Skills course and plan to extend this programme by developing the woodland as a site for education and community engagement. We will integrate innovative outdoor learning and progressive woodland management and training opportunities. These will include a variety of short course for people of all ages, with options for national accreditation. In particular we will offer:
This exciting project will see the employment of 2 posts:
Newbattle’s extensive partnerships with schools, voluntary organisations and community groups have led to the development of this project. Some of our partners are keen to be involved in the development of the woodland to enhance learning opportunities for young people and adults and to improve health and wellbeing. Many partners see the value of the accredited learning options as a means of enhancing employability and reducing inequalities in areas of deprivation.
The project aims to encourage individuals to value, use and enjoy their greenspaces, and make them feel happier, healthier and better connected to their communities. The project will help people to resolve inequalities in health and opportunity. Green Infrastructure will also help people develop skills and have the confidence to seek and sustain jobs.
We would like our project to enhance Lord Ancrum’s Wood for people of all ages, to extend learning, volunteering and training opportunities for people in areas of deprivation and to extend community engagement in a well maintained woodland area. We wish to develop a vibrant and inclusive community woodland, offering opportunities and training for all and enhancing our environment.
Laura Goble, Community Woodland Ranger at Newbattle Abbey College, talks about the value of this project to the local community. We are delighted that the Green Infrastructure Community Engagement Fund was able to help fund this amazing work.