BALLOT RESULTS:

The return

Thank you to everyone who returned their ballot papers.

We sent out a total of 361 papers and 180 were sent back; 50% is a good rate of return (compare this with 54% turnout at the last Scottish Parliament elections).

Overall support

It's reassuring to find that we largely (64%) have the support of the community in continuing to investigate the potential for community woodland; this is broadly similar to the proportion of support recorded via the questionnaire last year (66% of a 37% return), but represents a greater actual number of individuals, i.e. 32% of the community, up from 25%.

Of those offering their support for community woodland, 47 individuals considered themselves willing to 'actively' participate; this seems a healthy stock of folk to make the project viable.

Woodland ranking

The four woodlands that the community was asked to consider were ranked as per the graph below, with Inchlumpie a clear favourite.

Management

Less than 10% of those in support of community woodland expressed no preference as regards the management arrangement adopted; 43% favoured purchase, 27% for co-management with FCS, and 23% were happy with both options.

What next?

Our next task is to compile a list of the activities and facilities proposed in the questionnaire and ballot returns; the balance of associated costs and income generated will determine how financially viable any attempt to set up a community woodland will be.

It is not too late to come to us with any proposals you might have for an activity or business that makes use of woodland, either as a venue or a source of materials; the more information you can provide the better.

We can be contacted by 'phone, by letter, by email, or by posting a message to the website, so get in touch and discuss your ideas - do it this evening!

The resulting list, and the questionnaire and ballot results will form the basis of a fully costed business plan, which is required to persuade the Big Lottery Fund, FCS, and you that the proposals are realistic and offer a real community benefit.

Anyone able to lend a hand with the work of the group should contact us, as we would welcome some fresh input into the process - bear in mind, we're amateurs at this, so you are quite likely to be able to improve on what we're up to!