Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland celebrates the arrival of three benches inspired by the local landscape
Friday 23rd May saw 40 people join the formal ‘unveiling’ of three new benches at Glaisters Bridge Community Woodlands, near Corsock. The creator of the benches, Phil Daube, told the story about their inspirations and construction, and the unveiling ceremony included poetry from artist Helmut Lemke.
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 (UUET), representing the local community. This partnership approach is adding value and delivering community benefits as part of the wider woodland creation scheme.
Work so far has included the establishment of paths and wildlife scrapes, volunteer tree planting days and public events. The new benches will shortly be joined by signage and future plans include a car parking area. All work is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, with funding secured from Foresight Group, EJD Forestry, Glenkens & District Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Above: McNabb Laurie, maker Phil Daube and poet Helmut Lemke at the bench unveiling.
Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland is owned by Foresight Group and leased to Upper Urr Environment Trust. Robert Guest, Managing Director and Co-Lead of Foresight Natural Capital, said:
“We’re proud to support the Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland and to see the vision of the local community come to life through this project. Initiatives like this create lasting value - offering a welcoming space where people can connect with nature, spend time together, and take pride in their local surroundings. It’s a great example of how collaborative land use can deliver meaningful environmental, social, and recreational benefits.”
Community members enjoy one of the benches.
McNabb Laurie is a UUET Trustee and Manager of Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, and oversaw the contract for the new benches. McNabb said:
“Thanks to everyone who joined us on Friday!
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 epitomized 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 & Galloway, benefitting all parties. Massive thanks to all involved.”
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands benefits from ongoing support from a range of partners, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. Work by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is being boosted thanks to a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to deliver a tangible response to the twin crises we face and to maximise the benefits delivered in the region.
For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow them on social media, visit the website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a membership organisation. If you’d like to join as a member, visit the website. For any further info, please contact mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.
Above: the three benches.