Just how does the Scottish Government’s commitment to planting 45,000 acres of forest each year between now and 2050 work to mitigate the biodiversity crisis?

Galloway faces an existential crisis. A trio of demographic, economic and environmental decline risks turning this jewel of Scotland into little more than a giant power generating facility accompanied by plantations of cheap wood. Major changes are needed, and perhaps one such major change would be the establishment of a national park.

The proposers of a national park in Galloway claim that its establishment will result in a better future for people, communities, economy, culture and the environment in the area. Is this likely? What are the real issues that need to be addressed during this consultation? Who is best placed to provide the solutions we need? How can the friction and concern in our communities be minimised? And what’s the hurry?

On Sunday 1st December 2024, four ladies from Carsphairn SWI enjoyed a great afternoon taking part in the Stewartry Federation Carpet Bowling Competition.

Balmaclellan’s Local Place Plan will offer a once-in-a-decade opportunity for residents to express their views on how the village should develop, what works well, what is missing, and what could be improved.

This year 110 Crab Apple Trees from across Dumfries & Galloway were tested to identify whether they were ‘pure’ crab apples (Malus sylvestris) or hybridized with other ‘non-native’ apple trees (Malus domestica).

The village of Carsphairn in Dumfries & Galloway has been announced as the newest addition to the Biosphere Communities scheme, the pioneering sustainable development initiative led by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership.

The splendid event that is Corsock Craft Fair returns this weekend to Corsock Village Hall.

Roundup of Carsphairn SWI’s AGM, which took place in Lagwyne Hall on 21st November 2024.

Carsphairn Community Council need  an experienced cook or team to provide our Christmas meal for the senior members of our community.

New research commissioned by Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) has revealed that innovative approaches to rural education are vital for community sustainability.

At COP29, the UN climate summit taking place from 11th November to 22nd November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the main issue for discussion will be finance to allow poorer countries to not only cope with climate change but also to transition to cleaner energy and cut their carbon emissions.

Audiences in the Stewartry are in for a treat as SongWave Community Choir brings their Winter concert series, Wassail! Songs for the Turning of the Year to the region.

Children from all around the Glenkens joined the Carsphairn based children's group Bairn Banter for a haunting Halloween party in Lagwyne Hall on Saturday 2nd November.

The next Glenkens Story event will be on Saturday 30th November when we will be welcoming back David Bartholomew, a regular contributor to our programme over the years.

The Glenkens Community and Arts Trust is delighted to announce the nomination of the CatStrand for Venue of the Year at the prestigious Scots Trad Music Awards.

A groundbreaking Guide intended to improve the process of engagement with local people and communities in new woodland creation projects in Scotland has been launched.

Application Forms for Grants are now available from the Charity Shop in Dalry. 

There was a good turnout for Carsphairn SWI meeting held on Thursday 17th October in Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn.

Corsock and Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council have received this year’s Blackcraig Windfarm Micro-grant funding and are now welcoming applications from within the Community Council area.