Friday, 13th December 2024 | Kilmory Castle and ACT Rainforest Hub

The ACT 10th Anniversary AGM brought together board members, staff, advisors, partners, and members to reflect on a decade of achievements and to chart a course for the future. Held in the inspiring surroundings of Kilmory Castle and the ACT Rainforest Hub, the event was a chance to celebrate our impact on Argyll’s environment, communities, and landscapes while discussing plans for the years ahead.

ACT Projects: Past and Present

The day began with a welcome and introduction from our Chair Ross Lilley, setting the tone for a meeting focused on both reflection and forward-thinking. Key highlights included:

• ACT – 10 Years of Impact and Where We Are Now: Our CEO Julie Young delivered a compelling presentation of our ‘game changers’ over the past decade, from extensive habitat restoration projects to our outdoor learning initiatives at MAKI Pups.
• Rainforest Restoration Package: Our Ecologist Sally Gouldstone outlined our innovative approach to rainforest restoration, highlighting the partnerships and strategies in this exciting project that aim to enhance rainforest restoration and expansion efforts.
• ABCAN Seed Funding: Sara Maclean, our Strategic Operations and Finance Manager, shared updates on this initiative, which has been very successful in supporting a wide variety of community climate action projects across Argyll and Bute.
• Looking Ahead: ACT 2025-30: Ross Lilley introduced our strategic vision for the next five years, including our new Prospectus, focusing on our key pillars of work, Nature Restoration, Climate Action and awareness and Outdoor Learning, Health and Wellbeing.

Other agenda items included the Project Risk Dashboard and an overview of ACT’s 2023-24 accounts, presented by our Accountant David Nicholl, ensuring transparency and accountability as the organisation continues to grow. Read the draft meeting minutes.

Celebrating Argyll's Rainforest Communities

The afternoon transitioned into a creative celebration of our wonderful communities. Woodland Coordinator Ian Dow introduced Argyll's Rainforest Communities Network film directed by Rowan Aitchison. Filmed at Glenan Community Woodland during a weekend of events celebrating Argyll’s rainforest and the communities at the heart of efforts to restore this special, yet increasingly rare habitat. The film beautifully captures the spirit and stories of those living and working within Argyll’s rainforests.

Attendees also had a chance to hear a special piece of music by cellist and teacher Jessica Kerr, who we commissioned in partnership with Cove Park, to compose new music in connection with the Argyll Rainforest Community Network, following time spent in Argyll’s Rainforest. This Is Our Home is a collaborative work with contributions from the children of Tighnabruaich Primary School and Lochgilphead Primary School.

Exploring Our Rainforest Hub

In the afternoon attendees headed out on a Rainforest Hub walkabout. Susannah Macmillan, our Rainforest Hub Coordinator, created a beautiful map for a self-guided tour of the many projects operating on the site, including ReCyle, our budding tree nursery, MAKI Pups and Mini Pups, our new Outdoor STEM learning area, and a sneak peek at an exciting volunteer project within Kilmory gardens.

      

This immersive experience included a campfire brew and cake, offering a chance to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and connect with each other amongst the trees. Thank you to the rainforest team for keeping the fire fuelled and our mugs filled!

   

During the afternoon, attendees took part in an activity to choose three words to describe ACT’s work to place on our Feedback Tree. The most popular words were INSPIRATIONAL, THOUGHTFUL, COMMUNITY — three words that certainly guide our work!

           

Looking Forward

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported ACT along the way. To our board members, staff, advisors, community members, volunteers, partners, and funders, your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind our successes. This milestone is as much yours as it is ours. We’re excited to continue working together to protect and enhance Argyll’s unique landscapes and vibrant communities. Here’s to the next chapter of inspiring action, connections, and making an impact across Argyll and beyond!

Photographs by Rachel Keenan / ACT