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News Release from: Forestry Commission
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 October 2005
Cash boost for Sunart Oakwoods
Scottish Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin announced a GBP400k cash boost towards the upkeep of Sunart's famous Atlantic oakwoods on the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
Scottish Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin announced a GBP400k cash boost towards the upkeep of Sunart's famous Atlantic oakwoods on the Ardnamurchan peninsula Over the past 10 years there has been a tremendous amount of work by a number of organisations and local people to help generate tourism, employment and social benefits in this stunning area of woodland
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 23 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new money comes in the form of a grant from Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage called the Sunart Woodland Scheme: a part of the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative, which will go towards continuing work to improve biodiversity in the forest.
Ms Brankin announced the funding as part of a fact-finding tour of the Sunart Oakwoods.
During the visit the Minister visited Ardnamurchan high school, Ardery native woodlands, the popular wildlife hide and the village of Salen.
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She said: "I'm launching the new grant to support the continued sustainable management of the Sunart Oakwoods, but I'm well aware that this is just part of a process that has been going on for a great many years".
"The Sunart Oakwoods Initiative was an innovative and successful partnership which acted as a catalyst to using the potential of the forest for the benefit of the community.
Tourism, employment, skills training, wildlife conservation and environmental education for local children are just some of the benefits that have been achieved.
"The drive and determination of local people in recognising the range of benefits these woodlands can offer has been a major factor in the success of Sunart's forests".
"At the heart of it all has been the sustainable management of these fantastic oakwoods".
"The new grant will help take the process forward and continue the conservation work needed".
"The Sunart Oakwoods Initiative is a partnership between the community, landowners, and local agencies including Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Lochaber Enterprise and Highland Council.
It aims to restore and expand the native woodlands of the Sunart area to create an extensive forest bringing conservation, economic and amenity benefits to the local community.
Jeff Watson, SNH north areas director said: "Sunart is a very special place in international terms and is widely recognised as one of the best examples of woodland habitat in the UK.
The award-winning conservation management that has been going on here in recent years has been of the highest international standards".
"This partnership has been able to secure many important economic benefits for local communities, including new opportunities for employment and skills development, as well as benefits to the natural features".
"I am delighted that such a positive approach to the site's management is to continue, and that SNH is able to support this financially through our Natural Care programme of positive management schemes.".
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