The difference we make

Objective 1

To care for and enhance our environment – working strategically and locally

• Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan, Outcomes 1 and 3
• SNH Corporate Plan 2018. Outcome - Health and Resilience of Scotland’s Nature
• HIE Strengthening communities and fragile areas
• Argyll and Bute Councils Local Development Plan
• The Scottish Forestry Strategy
• FCS Woods for Health

• We have secured over £800K to protect peatlands and species on Islay with the 4-year CANN project.
• Our place within the CANN partnership establishes our position with the national and international community of organisations supporting biodiversity and protection of habitats.
• We have launched a £100K landscape scale clearance of Rhododendron ponticum in Glen Creran across a range of land-ownerships.
• Through ACT Hubs we have commissioned a management plan for control of Japanese Knotweed in a community site.

Objective 2

To encourage people to enjoy and benefit from our environment

• Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan, Outcome 5 (delivery partner)
• National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 9
• SNH Corporate Plan 2018. Outcome – More people across Scotland are enjoying and benefitting from nature
• HIE Strengthening communities and fragile areas
• The Scottish Forestry Strategy

• We are currently facilitating and have already delivered 13 access, health, and environmentally focussed projects.
• We have engaged over 600 people from over 60 community groups in outdoor activities through our 4 delivered campaigns
• Our successful approach to delivery of Branching Out focusses on a locally relevant approach. We have delivered 10 programmes with over 120 individuals referred.
• Our successful series of geocaches are encouraging visitors and residents to explore and enjoy our environment.
• Our programme of Summer Walks encouraged walkers of all abilities to explore with the support of experienced walk leader and wildlife experts.

Objective 3

To encourage investment that will improve our environment

• Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan, Outcome 5
• SNH Corporate Plan 2018. Outcome – There is more investment in Scotland’s nature capital to improve prosperity and wellbeing.
• National Health and Wellbeing Outcome 9
• HIE Strengthening communities and fragile areas
• Argyll and Bute Council’s Economic Development Action Plan
• The Scottish Forestry Strategy
• FCS Woods for Health
• Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan

• We have secured over £1.5M of external funding for our projects.
• We have secured over £800K to protect peatlands and species on Islay with the 4-year CANN project.
• We have attracted a skilled ecologist from outside the area to move to Argyll and take up a full time professional post.
• We have launched a £100K landscape scale clearance of Rhododendron ponticum in Glen Creran across a range of land-ownerships.

Objective 4

To share ideas and work in partnership with groups and individuals with an interest in our environment

• Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan, Outcomes 1 and 3
• SNH Corporate Plan 2018 More people across Scotland are enjoying and benefitting from nature
• HIE Strengthening communities and fragile areas
• Argyll and Bute Council Strategic Economic Development Action Plan 2016-21
• National Health and Wellbeing Outcome 8
• The Scottish Forestry Strategy
• FCS Woods for Health

• We have established a strong network and good working relationships with our regional partners including Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative, Alienergy, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
• We have over 200 Members including individuals, schools, community groups and businesses
• We have an active social media profile with over 900 Facebook, 270 Instagram and 500 twitter followers
• Our project steering groups routinely include community representatives. Branching Out and its developing Moving On programme has established 7 new working partnerships with third sector groups in Argyll and Bute.
• Our successful approach to delivery of Branching Out focuses on a locally relevant approach. We have delivered 10 programmes with over 120 individuals referred.
• Our place within the CANN partnership establishes our position with the national and international community of organisations supporting biodiversity and protection of habitats.

Objective 5

To increase opportunities for local people in employment, training, and volunteering

• Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan, Outcomes 1 and 3
• SNH Corporate Plan 2018 There is more investment in Scotland’s nature capital to improve prosperity and wellbeing.
• HIE Strengthening communities and fragile areas
• National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes 1, 4, 5, 9
• The Scottish Forestry Strategy
• FCS Woods for Health
• Argyll and Bute Councils Strategic Economic Development Action Plan

• We have created 10 full time and 11 part-time jobs.
• We have provided work experience and certificated training for 20 young job-seekers.
• We have delivered training to 19 Argyll and Bute residents, now qualified to deliver Branching Out.
• We have offered numerous contract opportunities across a range of sectors, including ongoing project management opportunities for Branching Out and Glen Creran projects.
• We have provided volunteering opportunities, providing both work experience and fulfilling leisure time.