ACTIV8 2011

Returning for a second consecutive year, ACTIV8 Outdoor Recreation Festival will be held at Glenbranter Forest on Saturday 20th August, 11am-5pm.

An ideal opportunity to try out some of the vast array of activities which are carried out in Dunoon's Forest and beyond! Have a go at Archery, Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Geocaching, and more. Watch the Rescue Dog Demonstration and visit Jubilee point to watch the West Districts Open Water Swimming Championships.

There's going to be plenty to see and do for all the family, so dress for the weather, bring a midge net or wear repellent and get stuck in! Entry is FREE although there may be a small charge for some activities

See you, being Active, around the Glenbranter Forest

From Small Acorns..

This Weekend (13th & 14th August) sees the return of the hugely popular Small Acorns event at Hunters Quay Holiday Village, Dunoon. This event is run by Argyll Holidays in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland.

Come along and take part in a variety of environmental activities, learn about the strange sea creatures, bats, birds of prey and more, that surround us. Enjoy a guided minibus tour / walk with the Forestry Commission rangers or even just soak up the atmosphere while enjoying some refreshments at the Hunters Bar& Grill.

Something for all ages. 10am -4pm both days - and it's FREE!!!

See you around the Holiday Village!

FOREST FESTIVAL

Forestry Commission Scotland are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Argyll Forest Park by hosting a FOREST FESTIVAL, this Saturday (23rd July) at Glenbranter Forest. Come along and join us for some forestry related family fun activities, horse logging demonstrations, forest tours and much more!!
The event runs from 10am to 4pm and is FREE and suitable for all ages.

An Exciting Opportunity

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RANGER POST

Fixed Term contract for 12months
Salary £25,000 pa 35hours over 7 days

Dunoon Community Development Group is looking to employ a Community Development Ranger whose duties will include:

Promoting the forest areas of The Bishop's Glen and Morag's Fairy Glen and organising community activities.
Developing links between the project and local schools.
Supporting work teams as part of an ongoing maintenance programme for the area.
Encouraging outdoor and environmental activity as a means of improving health and well being.
Contributing to the planning, monitoring and maintenance of forest areas.

DCDG are looking for applicants with excellent presentation skills, the ability to work on their own initiative and a background in forestry or outdoor recreation. The post also requires a driving licence and a willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Application forms are available from HELP (Argyll& Bute) Limited at 17/19 John Street, Dunoon PA23 8BN, telephone Chris on (01369)707600 or email chris@helptd.org.uk and should be returned by Friday 17th June.

Funded by the Forestry Commission F4P Challenge Fund.

The answer my friend.....

... is , along with everything else, blowing very muchly in the wind.

After the recent strong winds, many areas of the forest have been affected by fallen or hanging trees or branches. The team have been very busy clearing routes and roadsides across the district, and we can now say that all of the Dunoon's Forest Trails are open and waiting!

Should you happen across any further blockages, please do let us know on 01369 860703

See you around the (windswept) forest.

All too easy!

You will probably all have seen the Forest Fires currently being fought in Perthshire and in England. When the weather has been as good as it has for the past couple of weeks, the ground and forest become very dry and it only takes one carelessly discarded cigarette and large swathes of important habitat can be destroyed.

PLEASE could all who visit the forest take extra care during this dry spell and report ANY fires they see.

See you (covered in Sun Block!!) around the forest.

Flick It!!

Those of you who have been out and about will have noticed the appearance of some new blue signs bearing the slogan "Flick it with a stick". These are in response to an increase in the amount of dog mess being left behind on tracks and in bags tied to trees, gates, fences and waymarkers in the forest. These signs advocate that on the trails - well away from car parks and buildings, that if people are not going to pick up their dog's mess and TAKE IT AWAY then they should flick the mess off the trail with a stick. Around car parks etc we'd still appreciate it if people took their dog's mess away with them.

Hopefully this will increase everyone's enjoyment of the trails.

See you (with flicking stick in hand) around the forest