PROJECT
Restoring Ardenconnel - Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund (NEF)
At a Glance
RSCT has received £13,488 from Inspiring Scotland's Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund to begin restoring Ardenconnel Wood.
This year-long (2026) project includes:
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Creating a biodiversity-led, Phase 1 - Nature Survey to contribute toward a Woodland Management Plan.
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Community volunteers will receive hands-on training to remove invasive rhododendron and cherry laurel
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A permanent noticeboard will be installed at the wood to keep the community informed
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Systems to help establish RSCT as a long-term, sustainable organisation
About the Project
With support from the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, RSCT is now able to begin a programme of restoration work that puts biodiversity and the community in the heart of Rhu.
Over the year, RSCT will work on:
Nature Survey: We will commission an ecological consultant to develop a comprehensive, biodiversity-led plan to guide the wood's management for the next 10 years, covering tree health, hydrology, wildlife surveys, and community priorities.
Invasive Species Training: A practical workshop will train community volunteers in the removal of rhododendron ponticum which threatens native woodland.
Community Noticeboard: A permanent noticeboard will be installed at the wood, sharing project updates, volunteer opportunities, ecological findings, and information about native species.
Organisational Development: Working with Community Enterprise, we will build the systems and strategies RSCT needs to coordinate volunteers, engage key stakeholders, and secure sustainable funding well beyond this project.
Get involved
This project belongs to the community. Whether you have an hour to spare or a specific skill to offer, we would love to hear from you. No prior experience is needed, just an interest in your local environment.
To get involved, contact us at: rhushandontrust@gmail.com. Volunteer opportunities will be shared through our noticeboard, newsletter, and social media as the project develops.
SUPPORT FUTURE PROJECTS
The restoration of Ardenconnel Wood is just one example of what the Trust can achieve with community backing. With funding from the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, RSCT is working to protect and improve this local woodland for people nature alike, but there is still much to do, and the support of local residents and organisations is essential to making it happen.
If you would like to support the Ardenconnel Wood Project, you can make a donation to the Trust via Just Giving by searching for Rhu and Shandon Community Trust, or by visiting:
https://www.justgiving.com/charity/rhuandshandoncommunitytrust.
For more information about the Trust's upcoming projects or to get involved, please contact us at rhushandontrust@gmail.com.
Thanks to:
