2024 Conference. Workshops. Friday afternoon (4th October)

Delegates had the opportunity to attend 2 workshops out of a choice of 6.

To view available powerpoint presentations click on the titles below.

This workshop explored the journey DCF has been on since becoming a community owned forest in 2021, and the different paths walked to engage with young people: what’s worked; what hasn’t; the importance of involving young people in the future development of the forest; the aims and ambitions for the future of youth volunteering at DCF.

Financial sustainability is key to the long term success of community owned assets. Establishing enterprise to generate on-going traded income can create resilience and opportunity.

 Jo Slater is a Business Advisor from the Just Enterprise programme led this workshop when attendees gained inspiration and insight into enterprise opportunities within their own woodland.

In this workshop:

  • Felix Spittal from the Development Trusts Association Scotland covered the key steps in the asset transfer process, and the support available to communities

  • Maria de la Torre, Chairperson of Knocknagael Ltd talked about their experience of asset transfer, outlining the challenges they’ve overcome and their continuing battle to acquire land near Inverness for a Green Hub community growing project.

4. Working with the private sector. Piers Voysey (CWA) - no presentation available

This workshop shared experience in working with contracting companies, be they woodland managers, tree surgeons, sign makers, and looked at best practice for inviting tenders, reviewing tenders, commissioning and managing contracts, and wherever attendees questions or concerns and experience to share.

This workshop gave insight into: Keeping track of funding opportunities/applications; Preparing evidence for funders; Demonstrating community needs; Measuring and defining success 

Sharon Smith (CWA Member Support Officer) facilitated Action Learning Sets which offered support from colleagues in similar community situations. Participants come with an issue they wanted support with, for example - an idea they were struggling with; a problem they were encountering - they were then asked probing questions from the others in the set to help them consider the issue. No advice or a solution were offered, but participants were provided the time and space to consider other options open through careful, considered questions.