Community Participation

Overall Objective  

 To encourage participation from the local community in the operation of the Trust and,
 with other stakeholders, engage their contribution to the management of the woodland.

Membership  
 

Increase membership through:

A clear communications strategy

Use the notice boards at the Forest Road entrance and  the Square

Use the Grantown and District Times

Use the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald for advertising, notices and articles

Use mail outs to members as required in addition to the above

Use and maintain the web site

Hold at least one annual Open Day in the woods for members and visitors

Buy stall space at Motormania and the Figget Fair. 

In addition:

Make the AGM an interesting night

Consider the purchase of AWT branded merchandise

No membership fee is charged at present, but this will be reviewed if members feel as though it will help secure a back up of reserves to cover administration costs.

Directors 
 

Encourage members to stand for one of the 10 positions of director.
 
One third of directors stand down every year.

Ensure that training is provided for directors

Ensure that males and females, the young and the old are represented.

Encourage members to attend directors’ meetings

Young People  
 

Seek ways to engage young people in the use and management of the Woods, either through:

Schools

Youth Clubs

Woodland club

Other youth organisations – such as Scottish Wildlife Trust Watch Groups

Management Sub-groups  
 

Consider establishment of management sub-groups where people with
specific skills and interests can get involved with specific projects, e.g.

Mountain bike routes

Events.

Other Opportunities for Active Involvement  
 

Organise up to 4 volunteer days per year to undertake a variety of simple jobs.

Ensure that all abilities are provided for and consulted on access to the woods and to events

Consider the hosting of events in the woodland. 
 These may be based around celebrations, or specific arts events