New Community Woodland To Take Shape Near Wick

17th September 2009

A new community woodland is to take shape near Wick thanks to Forestry Commission Scotland.

The Commission has stepped in to buy Newton Hill Croft in a bid to ensure that the local community continue to enjoy a woodland resource.

Tim Cockerill, for the Commission in Golspie, said: "It was a real shame that the neighbouring community woodland could no longer be kept going as a community resource so when the opportunity arose for us to buy Newton Hill Croft - which was right next door - we jumped at the chance.

"We've already held a meeting with local people and organisations to have a look around the site and get some ideas of how it could be developed for recreational use.

"Getting out into woodland is a great way to relax, get some fresh air or enjoy some active leisure - and woodlands can also be a fantastic learning resource for people of all ages.

"This site has huge potential and we look forward to working with the local community and other partners and making the most of this opportunity."

The Commission has received widespread support for the project from local Councillors, The Highland Council, Friends of Newtonhill, Caithness Local Access Forum, Volunteering Highland, Wick North Primary School and the Wick and Tannach & District Community Councils.

There is to be an AGM of The Friends of Newton Hill on Wed 7th Oct 2009 at 8.00pm in Pulteneytown Academy Primary School, Seaforth Ave, Wick. The AGM will be preceded by a Forestry Commission Scotland presentation by Mr Neil McInnes on their recent purchase of Newton Hill Croft to create a community woodland. The presentation will commence at 7.00pm.