A local charity in Peeblesshire has successfully raised £875,000 to buy Broughtonknowe Woods, safeguarding 135 acres of woodland from commercial logging and launching new community health, education, and wellbeing initiatives.
A significant milestone was recently achieved by a dedicated group of residents in Peeblesshire, Scotland, as they successfully acquired Broughtonknowe Woods, preventing the potential threats of commercial logging that loomed over the area. The initiative emerged in response to the woodland being put on the market in 2023, a move that heightened community concerns about the fate of this beloved natural space.
Broughtonknowe Woods, spanning 135 acres and nestled between Biggar and Peebles, features a diverse array of native hardwoods, including oak and ash, alongside more commercially popular softwoods like Sitka spruce, which were planted in the late 1980s. The Covid-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in fostering a deeper connection between local residents and the woods, as restrictions encouraged dog walkers and others to explore the area more frequently.
In light of the owner Christopher Lambton’s declining health, the community promptly rallied to raise £875,000 to ensure the woods remained accessible for public enjoyment. Ian Brooke, chairman of the newly formed Broughtonknowe Community Woodland charity, expressed the sentiments of many local residents, stating, “Local people are delighted that the woods are now safely in the hands of a locally-run charity that will preserve the environment for future generations. Everyone you meet in the woods is smiling.”
With the support of 140 members, the charity’s board, comprising five directors, spearheaded this community buyout through a crowdfunding campaign, complemented by funding from entities such as the Scottish Land Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, and SSE Renewables. Community councillor Viv Thomson emphasised the overwhelming support received from residents, noting how various initiatives, including merchandise design and tree donations, further bolstered fundraising efforts.
Following the successful acquisition, the community has set ambitious plans to transform Broughtonknowe into a hub for education and wellbeing. New projects have already commenced, including the installation of bee hives and the planting of fruit trees. Future plans involve constructing a shelter for woodworking workshops and collaborating with the NHS and local authorities to implement social prescribing initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and wellbeing.
Brooke highlighted the woods’ potential to serve as a gathering space for various community activities, including yoga and educational workshops, indicating a commitment to ensuring that nature remains paramount. “We will make sure, though, that nature is in control, not any timber companies,” he remarked, reassuring supporters of the charity’s dedication to preserving the natural environment.
Overall, the successful purchase of Broughtonknowe Woods represents a significant achievement for local residents, underscoring the importance of community engagement and collective action in protecting treasured natural spaces.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23686609.broughton-near–900k-community-buyout-woodland-unveiled/ – This article reports on the community’s plans to purchase Broughtonknowe Woods for £875,000, highlighting the community’s concerns about potential commercial logging and their efforts to preserve the woodland.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2nlrxlkezo – This BBC News article discusses the community group’s success in securing nearly £600,000 towards the purchase of the 140-acre Broughtonknowe Woodland, emphasizing the community’s initiative to protect the area from commercial logging.
- https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/press-releases/2024-12-06/community-projects-receive-1-975-563-from-scottish-land-fund – This press release from the National Lottery Community Fund details the £595,500 grant awarded to Broughtonknowe Community Woodland Ltd by the Scottish Land Fund, supporting their purchase of the woodland to prevent commercial logging.
- https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/broughtonknowe-wood-community-buyout – This crowdfunding project page outlines the community’s efforts to raise funds for the purchase of Broughtonknowe Woodland, aiming to prevent potential threats of commercial logging.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-68008833 – This BBC News article highlights the community’s initiative to purchase the £900,000 Broughtonknowe Woodland, emphasizing their concerns about potential commercial logging and their efforts to preserve the area.
- https://broughtonknowe-wood.co.uk/news/ – The official website of Broughtonknowe Wood provides updates on the community’s efforts to purchase the woodland, including grant applications and media coverage, underscoring their commitment to preventing commercial logging.
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14677617/Wood-you-believe-Dog-walkers-raise-900k-save-forest-axe.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative references the woodland being marketed in 2023 and recent fundraising, suggesting moderate freshness. Lack of direct timestamps for community actions limits precision.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
Quotes from Ian Brooke and Viv Thomson align with typical community engagement narratives. No online verification of original sources found, but plausibility suggests legitimate attribution.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, which lacks the editorial rigour of Reuters/BBC. Community buyout claims align with known models but require corroboration.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
Details about funding sources (Scottish Land Fund) and conservation objectives match established community land trust practices. No evident discrepancies detected.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative demonstrates plausible community action patterns and aligns with verifiable funding mechanisms. While the Daily Mail’s reporting lacks cross-verification, the absence of red flags and alignment with standard conservation practices support cautious validation.
