£105k funding for North and West Argyll forest education

North and West Argyll Forest Education Initiative has been granted funding of £105,588 as part of the Forestry Commission Scotland’s In and Around Towns Initiative and Forest for People Challenge Funds.

These funds are designed to help woodland owners revitalise existing woodlands for the benefit of local people and to support community based health and education activities.

Both funds come under the Scotland Rural Development Programme which provides a framework to deliver European and Scottish Government funding for social, economic and environmental benefits.

Argyll’s MSP, Jim Mather says: ‘This funding in providing:

• 18 Forest School and outdoor learning projects
• the employment of a development worker to carry out the work and co-ordinate with local schools

‘It builds on and sustains the momentum driven by Michaela Hunter of the Forest Education Initiative and the Forestry Commission’s Elaine Jamieson.

‘Cultivating and indicating enthusiasm for our woodlands and the importance to Argyll of the forestry industry brings together many areas which affect children’s quality of living. It ties in with the Curriculum for Excellence. It promotes self esteem and good behaviour. It encourages team building and independence.

‘The North and West Argyll Forest Education Initiative is to be congratulated on obtaining this substantial grant for the  Argyll and Bute economy and promoting the ethos of connecting all sections of the community to their woodlands.’