Making Local Woods Work – Networking Event
Everybody involved in community woods is warmly invited to join this event for a unique opportunity to connect and learn with other people and woodland projects. This event is open to anyone running or setting up a woodland social enterprise.
The event is set in the inspiring location of Garvagh People’s Forest – providing an opportunity for tailored, in-depth conversation on the topics most important to you.
Topics discussed would include:
* Guided tour of Garvagh People’s Forest
* Relationships with land owners and managing agents
* Woodland social enterprises – business models and community structures
* Well-being programmes in a woodland setting
* Woodland conservation and protection
* Community and member engagement
Format: The event will take place mostly outdoors around a fire. There will be a shared lunch and a chance to walk, talk and listen. This is networking event for woodland projects, rather than a family fun day. However there will be some child friendly activities (such as a treasure hunt and making dens) supervised by experienced volunteers. Please wear waterproof coats and shoes for damp ground. If it rains hard, we will move undercover.
Access: There is a car park 200 meters from the meeting, and a road that come within 100 meters. Wide, rough paths are suitable for buggies but not wheelchairs (sorry).
The draft Programme is as follows:
10.00 Arrival, registration and refreshments at Garvagh Development Trust, 85 Main Street BT51 5AB.
10.30 Welcome and introductions. Who is here? What experience do we bring? What do we want from today?
11.00 Guided tour of Garvagh People’s Forest exploring the site and its activities.
12.00 Other stories: From Down to Earth’s woodland and green burial site, Cloughmills Incredible Edible and more. Questions, answers and discussion of key themes. Facilitated by Gill McNeill / James Orr from Down to Earth. Or treasure hunt activity.
12.45 Hot lunch.
13.45 Workshop: Practical story telling. Facilitated by Karin from Garvagh Development Trust. Or making dens in the beechwood.
14.45 Workshop: Behind the scenes of woodland social enterprise: Examples of ownership, management, membership, community engagement and models of income generation. Or making dens in the beechwood.
16.00 Tea and cake. What have we made or found today? What have we gained from the event? What do we want more of?
Plus information on Making Local Woods Work national conference, 20-21 October in Cumbernauld, Scotland – and other announcements.
16.30 Depart
For more information:
* on the event, contact event organiser and facilitator, Jo Bird jo@cbc.coop 07970075704
* on Making Local Woods Work programme, contact Megan.McFarlane@plunkett.co.uk 01993 810730 or Norman.Dandy@plunkett.co.uk
Booking your place: If you would like to attend this event, please book your place through www.garvagh.eventbrite.co.uk . Booking before Monday 18 September makes sure your food and other needs will be met. Overnight accomodation is available separately at gortinglen.co.uk
Thank you: This event is free because it is supported by Making Local Woods Work: a BIG Lottery fund project led by the Plunkett Foundation.
