About us The difference we make We are a small organisation demonstrating the big difference we can make in Argyll and the Isles. We have attracted widespread support, secured funding, and are delivering our objectives with a range of projects. Through our activities: We create employment – 10 full time and 11-part time jobs. We attract investment – our projects have secured over £1.5M of external funding. We launch projects – 13 projects securing funding, benefitting communities and our environment. We generate income – 5 projects direct income back into ACT. We build networks – as an umbrella organisation we have facilitated a new strategic partnership for long distance routes, and established a support and delivery network for “Branching Out”. We improve people’s quality of life. Our achievements align with our objectives, and with national and regional policies More information about each of the policies listed below can be found here. Objective 1 To care for and enhance our environment – working strategically and locally Policy alignment 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 Our achievements 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 Policy alignment 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 Our achievements 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 Policy alignment 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 Our achievements 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 Policy alignment 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 Our achievements 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 800 Facebook, 100 Instagram and 350 twitter supporters 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 Policy alignment 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 Our achievements 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.