THREE new benches were recently unveiled at Glaisters Bridge Community Woodlands, near Corsock.
The Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland is the first of its kind, with a 20-year lease signed between forestry developer Foresight Group and Upper Urr Environmental Trust.
The benches are the latest work carried out on the woodland, which has included the establishment of paths and wildlife scrapes, volunteer tree planting days and public events.
Around 40 people joined the formal ‘unveiling’ of the three new benches at the end of May, and they will shortly be joined by signage and future plans include a car parking area.
McNabb Laurie is a UUET trustee and manager of Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, and oversaw the contract for the new benches. He said: “Craftsman Phil Daube lifted the lid on how these benches were made, with brilliant poetic accompaniment from Helmut Lemke. These benches were part-funded by Foresight Group and EJD Forestry, with support also from Glenkens & District Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“When you visit you can see the three benches but this story is much bigger than that. This contract has epitomised the ground-breaking partnership work on the site, with the support of the landowner and the community using the lease to raise match funding locally.
“We are located in the Natural Capital Innovation Zone and this shows how community value can be added to a woodland creation site in Dumfries and Galloway, benefitting all parties. Massive thanks to all involved.”
