Introduction

The village of Insh lies four miles north east of Kingussie along the B970.

• The group were awarded a grant of £1269.49
• They spent £2019.49 on our project
• The Additional funding of £750.00 came from Kingussie Community Development Company.
• The finance was spent on purchasing a Forest pulling winch supplied by F. R. Jones & son.

Let’s hear from the group…

The aim was to purchase a winch that would allow us to extract large logs of non native species of trees.  These would be processed into firewood and delivered to households through the village by our volunteers. Many of our volunteers are “mature”and keen on looking after their backs and the winch would reduce the need for heavy lifting.  The mental health benefits of our volunteers working cooperatively is recognised. The winch would also allow a greater number of volunteers to become involved. Trailer loads of firewood would be delivered to homes in the village. We ask for a small donation which goes towards management of the forest.

Our core volunteer work team have been busy over the summer felling trees and using the winch to move the larger logs. This has gone well, and we have had in increase in the number of people coming along to help. Firewood deliveries have now been made round the village.

One of our felling team Bob Murdoch said: “I enjoy working with the guys in the woods and wish I could give it more of my time.”

Kate Toynbee has received a firewood delivery and said: “This is great. You boys do so much for the village I really appreciate the firewood at a time of rising costs.”

Anastasia Kvasha, a Ukrainian lady living in the village, said: “I feel part of the community now and and grateful for the firewood. Thanks to everyone.”

Isobel Paterson, one of our trustees, said: “There is a real community feel about this project. Many of the volunteers give lots of their time to making it work and with increased energy costs the firewood is much appreciated.”

Susie Rashford has had a firewood delivery and said: “With a young family we have really noticed the increase in our household expenses this year and the wood deliveries from ICH have made a real difference.”

We have work parties of twenty or so people who help to tidy up after the felling process. They burn brash and look after a whole number of environmental projects including tree planting, path and fence maintenance.

Our core work team have eight members who tackle the more technical aspects using chainsaws and farm quads.

This year firewood deliveries have been made to eighteen households in the village.

The Capstan Winch has been very successful in its first year and will be used annually into the future  to ensure this is a sustainable project.

We have a forest management plan, and the winch will be used as we thin trees and create increased light coming in through the canopy.  This we hope will encourage regrowth and an improved understory in the forest. There will be a replanting programme of native species of trees.

At the conclusion of this year’s firewood deliveries, we held a BBQ in the forest which attracted 35 village residents to attend. Some very encouraging comments were made about what we are doing, and we hope this will result in more people becoming involved.