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Welcome to the first edition of Kilfinan Forest Community News Volunteer Cowal South West (VCSW) was set up to link people who want to volunteer in the Kilfinan Parish with volunteering opportunities, we are a part of Kilfinan Community Forest Company. The voluntary organization You can write to: was initiated in February Nicola Greenall 2020 and all the activities Kilfinan Community Forest so far have been targeted Tighnabruaich at supporting our local PA21 2BD community through the Or email [email protected] pandemic and more recently supporting our local school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all We will also be sharing opportunities to help the local volunteers and funders who have helped this community community forests and other activities such as beach be safe during this pandemic. Anyone wishing to get cleaning, supporting elderly people, helping with involved in Volunteer Cowal South West please contact community events and mobilizing people in emergency via the aforementioned email address. situations or crises. Warmest regards, We have over 50 volunteers so far many of whom have Nicola Greenall Coordinator VCSW been generously volunteering on the front line delivering all the prescriptions to reduce the footfall in the local Kyles Medical Practice. Volunteers also kindly delivered Public Hand Sanitisers all the fresh food supplied by the council for those One volunteer had the idea to have hand sanitisers people who were shielding. We also did shopping and in public places as a way to help us all to clean our have provided a contact for some of those most isolated hands when we are out and about and for our visitors. during shielding. Volunteers have also been distributing Please make use of the Hand Sanitiser Units located at food boxes to local people. popular spots around Tighnabruaich and Kames: the pier, boatyard, tennis courts/playground, Cowal Way There is a very skilled team of volunteers who have been notice boards and in the Tighnabruaich village centre. sewing 100’s of masks which have been displayed in the Thank you to all the volunteers involved in the sourcing, local shops and delivered to all those shielding. We now installation and ongoing maintenance. deliver them to local people on request. These volunteers have also been sewing scrubs and tunics to keep those in contact with others and our whole community safer. We would like to know: Has there been anything good about lock down? How you are as someone who lives in the Kilfinan Parish? Is there anything that you need to make you feel well? What does being a part of your community look like? Would you like to be notified about volunteering opportunities such as helping others or supporting local charities?

NEXT ISSUE: An article featuring the history of Clan McEwan. Please send any articles or advertisements for future publication to [email protected] Full page: £120. Half page: £60. Quarter page: £30. Eighth page £15.

1 Dee Caffari’s Top Tips And Advice For Anyone Struggling With Isolation Published: 16 April 2020 Dee Caffari During this extremely unprecedented time, it can be hard to understand our true feelings or to know what the right thing to do is. Whilst everything feels uncertain and unfamiliar, it is crucial we are taking care of ourselves in the best way possible, whether that means regularly exercising, getting enough sleep or simply taking time out of our day to observe how we are truly feeling!

Here, British yachtswomanand Sunsail ambassador, very few creature comforts and nothing in the way of Dee Caffari MBE, shares her top tips and advice for entertainment, apart from my karaoke skills. Of course, anyone struggling with isolation. I am well aware that my isolation was one of choice and for very different reasons than the situation we find ourselves in now. However, in sharing the strategies and learnings from being alone for these long periods of time, I hope they will resonate with people that find themselves in a situation that is unfamiliar and scary. We know we need to be physically isolated right now but that doesn’t mean we have to be mentally isolated. Human contact and support are important at all times but particularly in times of crisis or stress. Now more than ever we need to look out for each other. My tips for dealing with isolation are: Communicate with each other Communication really is key during this time. If you are I know a bit about isolation and would go so far as to say self-isolating, it is moral boosting to know people care, that I have self-isolated on two occasions. When I took but it is equally important for your friends and family to part in the Vendee Globe, I spent three months at sea know that you are okay. Stay in touch and ask for help if alone and on the Aviva Challenge I was alone at sea for you need it. A five-minute chat once a day, could really lift six months. My home for that time was a 72ft boat with a person’s spirits and be something they look forward to.

2 Fill your time having a tough day and finding it hard to cope, focus on getting through the next day or even the next few hours Spending 24/7 alone is alien to many of us and will be as opposed to the oncoming weeks and months. The sun a challenge for people that thrive on the company of will continue to rise and set. This situation will pass, it’s others. Extroverts get their energy from others so a lack of only temporary. stimulation may lead to a drop in mood. For most of us, going to work, school or the gym is part of a daily routine, Pursue a hobby and now we have to fill that time. Having and sticking to Look for opportunities and be creative. In a world of a routine of some sort will help, as it provides a focus and instant contact, demanding work lives and intrusive a reason to get going for the day. Having something to do technology, the current situation will allow many of will also make the time pass more quickly. us to step back from that for a period of time. Is there Take advantage of technology a project that you have wanted to take on but never had the time? Do you want to brush up on your sailing There are so many ways we can communicate and stay theory? Is there a best seller in your head just waiting in touch these days, with Skype, Facetime, email, text, to be written? Is there work that you could do on a phone calls and social media platforms readily available, temporary basis? Necessity is the mother of invention, so now seems the perfect time to make the most of them. perhaps now is the time to embark on something new. Focus on what you can control Acceptance Focus only on what you can control and don’t waste Accept that we must adapt to the new environment we energy worrying about things that are outside your are living in. As an around the world sailor, I am used control. Every day we are bombarded with information to my environment changing very quickly and having via the media and whilst we do need to take on board to adapt to forces that are outside of my control. In the the news that is being distributed, it is important to coming weeks and months, restrictions on our lives and observe how it is affecting our wellbeing. If you do find the effects of this virus will no doubt make us feel angry, that reading or listening to the news is increasing your upset, worried and scared. These are natural emotions anxiety or stress levels, then limit your exposure to it. but will use mental energy. Accepting a situation allows It is likely that many of us will be seriously impacted you to think more clearly and calmly. The future will be financially through job loses or lack of work, but different. That is the reality and we may as well embrace remember that you are not alone, millions of us will be it. Mother nature has flicked the reset button. We have in the same position. Make a manageable plan and seek an opportunity to re-evaluate and change our behaviour help if you are feeling overwhelmed. for the better. We are all too aware in today’s world that It’s only temporary the only thing we can be certain of is change. Our ability With more spare time on your hands, it is the perfect to adapt to this change is what will define us. The current opportunity to reflect and be grateful for the things in global pandemic is revealing that the majority of us fear your life that you do have and can do. By focussing on the unknown and our reaction is to panic. Let’s come the good, it will have a positive effect on your mental together in this time of adversity and support each other health and help to improve your mood. When you are Choose Sunsail

3 Crofting at Kilfinan Community Forest Kilfinan Community Forest in Tighnabruaich have successful created three new woodland crofts and a second wave of crofts is currently being developed. There is potential for further land being made available for additional crofts as the felling of the timber crop continues. Community owned woodland crofts provide one model for creating sustainable rural community. The Scottish Government has committed to create Giving the communities the right to purchase land and new crofts across the crofting counties in Scotland, buildings has been an important part of the Scottish recognising the potential for crofting to help create Government’s land reform strategy and has allowed sustainable rural communities. At KCFC we are communities across Scotland to purchase and manage successfully combining crofting, woodlands and land as well as shops, housing and whole estates. community ownership in a new model that allows Access to land is an issue across Scotland due to historic the integration of these systems. land ownership patterns – Scotland has one of the Crofting is a form of land tenure exclusive to the most unequal patterns of land ownership in the world. ‘crofting counties’ of Scotland in the Highlands and The Scottish Land Commission’s report in 2019 looked west coast of Scotland. A croft is simply a small parcel at the pattern of land ownership in Scotland and of land which is leased to a tenant. It is highly regulated highlighted some of the problems this causes. However, which does mean that both landowners and tenants as the report notes community ownership on its own are protected and have clarity about their rights and does not necessarily solve these problems, it depends on responsibilities. This unique form of tenancy was fought how the land is managed. for by impoverished tenants of Highland estates in the 19th century and has played an important part in Crofting works well in conjunction with community helping small rural communities survive. ownership. It allows individuals and families access to land and gives them security, whilst ownership is retained Most woodland in Scotland is regulated by Scottish by the community. The way crofting is regulated, and Forestry (formerly the Forestry Commission). When the tenancy agreements that KCFC has created, means trees are felled, and how and when land is replanted, that tenants can’t make a profit from selling the land has to be agreed in advance in the form of a Forest or tenancy. This means the land remains owned by the Development Plan. KCFC has a plan that covers all the community and whilst the crofters can make a living by Acharossan forest. This includes the land that is being working on the land they can’t simple make a profit by crofted. So far the crofts have been created on land speculating on an increase in the land value. where the existing woodland has already been felled. By taking on a tenancy the crofters are agreeing to For more information visit replant trees where they have been felled. kilfinancommunityforest.co.uk/crofting Play park The forest play park at Kilfinan Community Forest is now open to the public. The park was developed with input from Tighnabruaich Primary School pupils and was built using local timber by KCFC staff and volunteers. There’s an obstacle course, ‘mud kitchen’, sandpit, pond and tree swing as well as plenty of climbing and space for free play. The park is designed for 3 to 11 years olds and to inspire adventurous outdoor play – muddy play is encouraged so bring wellies and waterproofs or a change of clothes! There’s free parking at KCFC – park next to the poly tunnel and follow the signs to the play park. Please keep dogs out of the park. KCFC are always open to improve access to the forest, so if you have any suggestions for the park, please do get in touch. For more information visit kilfinancommunityforest.co.uk/playpark 4 Replanting at Kilfinan Community Forest When KCFC purchased Acharossan forest it was a mature plantation ready to be felled. Over the last ten years a significant part of the timber has been harvested. We will be replanting the land over the coming years and are currently designing a forestry plan in conjunction with Forestry Scotland. These plans will take into account the results of the community consultation undertaken this year and will balance replanting a commercial crop with strategies to increase biodiversity across the site, planting for climate change and increasing community access. Following the successful consultation in March to look Regenerating commercial plantation takes time, at what a healthy community forest looks like, we have expertise and commitment. If you have energy to had site visits from foresters at Community Woodlands be involved in the ongoing work and planning at the Association, The Woodland Trust and Forestry Scotland forest then please do be in touch, there are a variety of to discuss plans and strategies for rhododendron volunteer opportunities on offer. management, managing volunteer Sitka regrowth and how to manage natural regeneration for a stronger and [email protected] more diverse future forest. Many thanks to members of the community for your participation in helping to shape these plans. Within the lower forest there are three areas that will be managed as native woodland. Further mapping and surveying is happening on site right now getting into the details of how to augment natural regeneration with the aid of temporary deer fencing and the planting of specific species to encourage growth in all layers of the woodland. This ethos of addressing biodiversity, planting for climate change and community access is also being adopted in the management plans through-out the rest of the forest. We look forward to sharing these plans when they are completed. Supporting Community Projects The Tighnabruaich District Development Trust was established in 2013 to support the community throughout the Kilfinan Parish, i.e. anyone with a PA21 post code. It derives its principal funding from an investment in Sròndoire Wind Farm, which, from small beginnings, is now providing a steady stream of dividends for the Trust. It is also able to apply for grant funding from other sources for particular projects. Some of the developments it has It has worked with Volunteer Cowal been directly responsible for are the (South West) to secure the grant from new jetty at the Lifeboat Station, the the Scottish Government which has been Heritage Centre and the restoration helping fund its activities during the of some of the network of footpaths Covid-19 emergency. in the area to augment the Loch If your community group has a project Lomond and Cowal Way. which is in need of funding, please However, its primary focus is to contact the Trust using the Enquiry support community groups to form on the website at tddt.org.uk or help fund their projects, offering, normally, up to 50% by writing to the Secretary at c/o Nagara, Glen Caladh, funding support. Among the groups supported in recent TIGHNABRUAICH, PA21 2EH, [email protected] years are Kyles Athletic Shinty Club, Tighnabruaich If you would like to become a member of the Trust, Primary Parent Council, Kames Hall, Kyles Marketing which is free, and help support its work, a membership Group, Kilfinan Community Forest, Kilfinan form is available on the website or by writing to the Community Council, Kilfinan Community Association Secretary. Membership is open to anyone residing in or and Friends of Glenan Wood. with a property in the PA21 postcode area. 5 Shellfield Farm2Fork Food ADVERTISEMENT Shellfield Farm is a producer of quality farm2fork ready meals, delicious scotch eggs and pies, and vacuum packed ‘hill to saltmarsh’ lamb and grass-fed beef. We operate out of our on-site commercial kitchen and butchery, which is located on our Glendaruel farm; we support high welfare, sustainable farming practices where our animals roam our hill farm and benefit from a mixed forage diet, from the heather hills to the tidal salt marshes. Ready Meals every week for local delivery on a Thursday; check out our website for our bakery prices: www.shellfieldfarm. We offer a range of savoury ready meals – beef lasagne, co.uk/food-catering. beef bourguignon, lamb tagine, cottage pie, fish pie, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, and roasted vegetable lasagne. Butchered Meat Boxes We are committed to provenance, and our meals feature We regularly offer butchered lamb and mutton boxes, our own beef and lamb, locally caught fish, and Scottish as well as beef boxes at certain times of the year. Our standard meat box includes a variety of cuts and joints, however since we do the butchery in-house we have the freedom to offer more of a bespoke butchery service depending on your preferences. Check out our Facebook page/ website for upcoming offers, or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.

dairy products. We do not put any nasty additives or preservatives into our meals, which are ‘blast frozen’ straight after cooking to lock in the flavour and nutrients. We even make our own stock using the lamb and beef bones available from our butchery. Our meals are flavoursome and delicious, just like a good cook would make at home – just pop them in the oven and enjoy. We use Airpet trays, which are recyclable, oven and freezer proof. Prices range from £5.80 for a single Catering Services portion, to £10.50 for a double. We can cater for all manner of events and functions, Bakery Products from private dining to large-scale events. Our food We bake a selection of delicious pork and vegetarian style exemplifies delicious and flavoursome home scotch eggs and deep filled scotch pies; our current range cooking, showcasing the best local ingredients and our is slow cooked beef & ale, potato & cheese, lamb, red passion for flavour. Get in touch with us to discuss your wine & rosemary, and roasted vegetable & mozzarella. requirements! We also offer family pies for a special occasion. We bake For any further information on our products and services, please contact Nikki on 07799 137779 or [email protected], or check out our website www.shellfieldfarm.co.uk. Our full range of ready meals are available to buy locally in Kames Village Store and Kyles Premier Store; we offer a free Thursday local delivery service on ready meals and bakery products, on orders over £12.

6 The Barr Liath Circular Walk One of the best ways to stay healthy in body and mind is to go for a walk. My favourite local walk is to the summit of Barr Liath, the highest point in Kilfinan Community Forest (KCFC). It’s a strenuous hill walk of about 3 miles (5K) but the views from the summit make it worth the effort. The best route is anti-clockwise. A fit person will complete the walk in about 2 hours.

Start from the KCFC offices at the poly tunnel and follow The summit is marked by a sign which indicates the the well surfaced paths beside the Allt Mor burn until different routes back to the start. you come to the sign ‘Barr Liath Path’. Cross the bridge For the descent, I recommend the ‘Sheiling Route’ which and follow the marker posts past the old water work heads almost directly South. This is the most direct route settlement tanks and then across a section of cleared down and the one with the best views. Again follow the forest to a grassy path. Head uphill until you leave the marker posts down the hillside, through the cleared brash trees behind and the path meanders beside newly planted at the bottom of the slope leading to the Sheiling bridge rowan trees protected from the deer by tubes and wire over the Allt Mor. Follow the track back to the start. guards. I frequently see buzzards here. The path levels out at the top of a rocky knoll and a good spot to pause for a Safety First – The Barr Liath summit is a serious moment and take in the view. Look for the grassy square walk in remote countryside where you are unlikely to which was the site of the old curling rink. meet another person and where the phone signal is intermittent at best. Dress appropriately for the Scottish When you have your breath back follow the marker hills. The ground will be wet and boggy if there has posts into the forest and wind your way through the been recent rain so wear suitable footwear. Tell someone fire breaks always trending slowly upwards. Enjoy the where you are going and when you expect to return. stillness of this section. Eventually the marker posts lead Obey any signs relating to tree felling operations. you out of the trees to a steep bank. The ground evens Volunteering – volunteers built the bridges across the Allt out again at the top of the bank and the marker posts Mor, installed the path marker posts on the Barr Liath lead you from one rocky knoll to the next with good path and have been planting and protecting trees on the views to the north of the summits of the local hills. route. If you enjoy the outdoors for health and fitness At this point you can see the Barr Liath summit to consider volunteering with Kilfinan Community Forest. your left and only 10 minutes away. Follow the marker posts across a wet boggy section and onto the plateaus. Willie McAllan, KCFC Volunteer

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