Dog walkers poised to purchase £900,000 Borders woodland
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Broughtonknowe Woods became popular with dog walkers during the pandemic
Taking their dogs for a walk has led a small group of nature lovers down the road to buying a £900,000 woodland.
Within two years of being formed, Friends of Broughtonknowe has gone from path-building to potentially owning a vast 56-hectare (140 acre) forest.
Ill health last year led owner Christopher Lambton to put the Peeblesshire woods on the market.
John Hart from the Friends group said: "It's a perfect place for dog-walking and that's how our community buyout began."
John Hart was one of the Friends of Broughtonknowe founders
The mixed woodland at Broughtonknowe, which sits in a picturesque valley between the towns of Peebles and Biggar, has been operating as a commercial forest for about 40 years.
Several footpaths and an access road were also maintained to encourage wildlife lovers and dog walkers to enjoy the scenery.
It was only during lockdown that plans were hatched for enhancing the community aspect with the creation of picnic areas, a bird hide and more stable pathways.
Mr Hart, who lives close by at Candy Mill, added: "I was walking my dog here each day during lockdown and got to know the place and appreciate what was here.
"I also got to know Christopher, the owner, and he asked if I'd become involved in fundraising as he wanted to make the woods even more accessible for the community.
"That was two or three of years ago, and our small group attracted funding to put in paths, picnic tables and benches, and we even created some additional ponds.
"It was never our intention to ever own the place, but when we were told that Christopher was having to put Broughtonknowe up for sale, we have quickly switched from a small group installing and maintaining paths to becoming the possible owners."
Bird tables and feeders across the woodland are regularly topped up during the winter
Since initial fundraising and access work during 2021 and 2022, Friends of Broughtonwood has grown from just a handful of volunteers to now having about 300 supporters.
The group has already been granted money from the Scottish Land Fund to progress its bid for the woodland, which is being advertised with an asking price of offers over £875,000.
A management committee has been formed to work with consultants in creating a business plan ahead of submitting final funding applications this spring.
Debbie Walbaum is an active member of Friends of Broughtonknowe
Debbie Walbaum from nearby Broughton has been involved with the Friends group from its outset.
She said: "I was also just someone who liked coming here with my dog, but it can't be underestimated how important these woods are to the people who live around here.
"We have dog-walkers, nature lovers and lots of children's groups, like the nurseries, Scouts and Guides, who like to come here.
"It is so important that we keep Broughtonknowe as it is - and we are so lucky that Christopher the owner has given us the time to organise a community buyout."
While much of Broughtonknowe has been planted with commercial softwoods such as sitka, Norway spruce and larch, the vast hillside forest also contains large areas of native, broadleaf trees such as ash, oak, aspen and sycamore.
Many of the viewpoints and wildlife ponds are also surrounded by willow, rowan and holly.
And at almost every turn there are nest boxes, bird feeders and wildflower areas.
Pam Hart enjoys bringing her grandson to the area
Pam Hart has been bringing her spaniel Bruno to Broughtonknowe since lockdown.
She said: "It's a wonderful place to come.
"The woodland is stunning at every time of the year - and when our grandson comes up from the Liverpool, the first thing he wants to do is come down to the woods."
The latest step in the journey to community ownership is a consultation and progress meeting at Broughton village hall on 23 January.
Guided walks will also be held earlier on the same day to let more people see what the area has to offer.
- Published11 November 2022
