Cree Valley from Mill Hill

Who Are We?

Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust (CVCWT) evolved from Forest Environment Panel discussions in 1998. The management of a mosaic of habitats involving woodlands from "source to sea" was set on course by community meetings, a feasibility study and the appointment of a Project Manager and an Administrator.

CVCWT is a registered charity (No. SC028549) and also registered with Companies House (SC192062). CVCWT is a partnership between Dumfries and Galloway Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Freshfield Foundation, Galloway Estates, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Community Councils and private landowners.

The Cree Valley in the south-west of Scotland contains remnants of the former extensive ancient broadleaf woodlands. Once important in local industries, the woodland remnants are today recognised for their value in contributing to tourism, recreation and biodiversity.

Ecologist
Pete Robinson, BA (Hons) (2009-present)

peterrobinson.cwt@btconnect.com

Administration Manager

Mrs Linda Moorhouse (2000-present)
lindamoorhouse@creevalley.com

MAIN PROJECT PARTNERS

Cree Valley Community Council
Gordon Pullen
The Community Council represents the whole area and has been supportive in the development of the project.

Dumfries and Galloway Council
D&G Council
Peter Norman Tel: 01387 261000
www.dumgal.gov.uk
A representative from Environment & Infrastructure has been on the Steering Group since its inception. Peter Norman is the LBAP Officer for Dumfries & Galloway. The Council has a remit to implement the BAP and has produced an LBAP and formed steering groups for different habitats. The Council has signed a management agreement with CVCWT on Blairmount Park, which forms part of the Newton Stewart Community Wood. Dr Joan Mitchell and Mrs Sandra McDowall (Councillors) are members of the Steering Group. CVCWT is a member of the D&G Rural Partnership.

Forestry Commission Scotland

South Scotland Conservancy
Jamie Smith Tel: 01387 272440

A Steering Group member.   Provides Forest Partnership Programme support and SRDP funding support on private land of the project.

Forestry Commission Scotland
FC Scotland, Galloway Forest District
Tel: 01671 402420
FC Scotland, Galloway Forest District has a representative on the Executive Committee and is also a member of the Steering Group. FC Scotland, Galloway Forest District has entered into an agreement with CVCWT that 1,176ha of land should be managed by CVCWT until 2025. FC Scotland, Galloway Forest District provides staff and professional advice on recreation, conservation and forest design to enable the project to develop.

RSPB
RSPB
Andrew Bielinski Tel: 01988 402130
www.rspb.org.uk
The RSPB has included 266ha of the Wood of Cree SSSI into the project for management until 2024. A member of the Steering Group.

Freshfield Foundation
The Freshfield Foundation
This charitable foundation assists in core funding and project development costs.

Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage

Jonathan Hudson Tel: 01671 401075
www.snh.org.uk
A Steering Group member, a source of advice, data and grant aid.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
John Gorman Tel: 01671 402618
www.sepa.org.uk
A Steering Group member, who is also a source of advice given the riparian nature of the project.

Galloway Fisheries Trust
Galloway Fisheries Trust
Jamie Ribbens Tel: 01671 403011
www.gallowayfisheriestrust.org
This organisation can provide the capacity for collaborative sub-projects within the catchment area.

Forestry Advisor
Richard Kay Tel: 01671 402987

Galloway Estates has entered into a long-term management agreement (until 2025) with CVCWT for Garlies Wood and Doonhill Wood. Richard Kay is the forestry advisor for Galloway Estates.

Mr & Mrs Wallace Parker

Old Hall Farm, Newton Stewart.

Mr and Mrs Parker have entered into a long term management agreement (until 2025) with CVCWT for Duncree Wood, 1.87ha.