After more than a decade helping crofters and communities establish new woodlands across the Western Isles, Viv Halcrow is stepping down from her role with the Croft Woodland Project at the end of October.
Viv joined the Western Isles Croft Woodland Project in January 2016, working with Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) and Woodland Trust Scotland to encourage woodland creation and support crofters throughout the islands. The Western Isles initiative forms part of the wider Croft Woodland Project, which supports crofters across Scotland. The development of croft woodlands was identified as a priority in PST's 2013 Community Development Plan, which proposed a dedicated Western Isles forestry advisory service to help crofters establish native woodlands.
Over the past decade, the Western Isles project has helped establish more than 287,000 native trees, creating new pockets of woodland from the Butt of Lewis to Barra and demonstrating the benefits that trees can bring to crofting communities.
When Viv first took up the role, one of the project's main aims was to help crofters overcome the practical challenges of planting trees in the exposed Hebridean landscape, providing advice on suitable species, funding and woodland management. Almost 11 years later, woodlands are becoming established across the islands, bringing shelter for livestock, improving habitats for wildlife and demonstrating how tree planting can complement traditional crofting activities. Among the project's successes are substantial new woodlands at Shader, Ranish, North Uist, Benbecula and Barra, alongside numerous smaller planting schemes.
Viv commented on her time with the project: “I'm pleased that Western Isles Croft Woodlands has enabled so many crofters to realise their ambition to plant trees. There are now pockets of woodland establishing throughout the islands, from the Butt to Barra. I think there is more recognition now that trees can be a valuable part of crofting activity, providing good shelter for stock and benefits for wildlife and I hope these wee woodlands will be looked after so they develop well and encourage more planting as part of a productive crofting landscape.”
Dr Calum MacDonald of Point and Sandwick Trust paid tribute to Viv's contribution commenting, “Viv has been at the heart of Western Isles Croft Woodlands since it began, and the progress made over the past decade is a real testament to her dedication and hard work. Establishing woodland in the Western Isles isn't always straightforward, and Viv has worked tirelessly with crofters and communities to make it possible. Her knowledge, practical approach and commitment have helped turn planting ambitions into growing woodlands that will benefit the islands for generations to come.
“We're extremely grateful for everything Viv has done. Point and Sandwick Trust is proud to have supported this work from the outset, and we wish her all the very best for the future. Over time the project is enhancing both local biodiversity and the wider island landscape and Viv's pioneering work leaves a great legacy for us to build on.”
Since 2016, the project has responded to almost 950 enquiries about woodland planting. Many of the earliest schemes are now developing into established woodlands. The project will continue following Viv's departure, with a new Croft Woodland Adviser taking up the role.
Pictured above: Viv Halcrow with crofter John Hamilton at Ranish, Isle of Lewis. Credit: Laura McEwan