In October 2004 the Erisort Trust commissioned Scottish Woodlands Ltd to undertake a feasibility study to examine the potential for acquiring and developing the Aline Plantation, near Ballalan. The plantation was owned by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). FCS have confirmed that they would be willing to sell the plantation to the Trust under recently announced mechanisms from the Scottish Executive for disposal of forest lands.

Trust Memebers with Scottish Woodland Group

The Trust using the “Community Acquisition” route, which required the backing of the local Community, and was eligible for financial support from the Scottish Land Fund.

 Initially the feasibility study involved meeting with the key stakeholders and potential funding partners. A series of informal interviews was held to gauge likely support from Forestry Commission (Grants and Licensing) Highland, Western Isles Council, Western Isles Enterprise, and the Forestry and Rural Development Scheme – administered by Highland Birchwoods.

 Early in the study an evening public meeting was held to give the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the current state of the woodland, and to give comment on what developments they would like to see, if the Trust went forward with the project. Outputs from the meeting included a wish for landscape improvements, more biodiversity, opportunities for access and recreation – walks, bike trails, bridleways for horses; training and employment; cooperation with other local activities, eg the Scaladale centre; replanting of the forest with more native species, increasing biodiversity; community involvement.

The consultancy team then assessed a series of options for acquiring and developing the woodland, and worked up indicative proposals and costings for a series of footpaths and bike trails, regeneration of part of the failed area by replanting, and produced concepts for visitor facilities, interpretation and educational outputs.

 Scottish Woodlands Ltd completed the study and presented their findings at a public meeting in Balallan. Representatives from some of the key potential partners were present, and there was opportunity for a question and answer session on the presentation.

In May 2005 the Erisort trust successfully applied for support from the Scottish Land fund for support and purchased the woodland on behalf of the community. Funding applications are being prepared and work on regenerating the woodland as a recreational resource for the community is programmed to start in spring 2006.