Give nature a helping hand with woodland creation

We, Paul and Michele are lucky enough to call four and a half acres on the stunning Isle of Skye home.

As beautiful as the landscape is, it's been shaped by grazing sheep and deer who devour any flora that attempts to grow through the grass and bracken.

With the help of the Woodland Trust and Scottish Forestry, we plan to revive what we can by fencing off the land, protecting it from grazing, and planting 2067 trees to develop a native mixed broadleaf woodland. We hope to increase biodiversity, aid carbon sequestration and enhance the landscape's character, hopefully, to be enjoyed by future generations.

The Woodland Trust and Scottish Forestry are funding most of the woodland creation, and the plan was always for ourselves to provide the muscle, the land and fund the shortfall. However, the ongoing build of our modest, sustainable home has devoured our budget.

Rather than putting the woodland creation on hold, the need for woodland creation with all its associated climatic and environmental benefits has never been so urgent we are appealing to you for help.

We have a shortfall of £5000, but any help raised would be great!

With your support, we will be able to deer fence the land, plant and maintain a mix of native tree species, including; Hazel, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Seasille Oak, Alder, Goats Willow, Scotts Pine, Rowan, Hawthorn, Aspen and Bird Cherry.

By giving nature a helping hand, the land can become a biodiverse-rich habitat with obvious environmental benefits, capturing carbon and supporting diverse wildlife. Enhancing a landscape for humans to enjoy, immerse and reflect within is possible. With this in mind, we plan on offering our converted lorry 'Wilbur' for part of the year free of charge as space set within the developing woodland to NHS staff who suffer from mental health.

With your support, you will be helping to create a biodiverse habitat, aid carbon capture, and an environment to be enjoyed by many for years to come.

We plan to start fencing, preparing the site this winter, and planting trees in late winter to early spring. Of course, we'll keep you posted on progress and wish to thank you so much for reading this and for any support pledged!