Feasibility Study into Glenkens Land Use Forum, March 2024

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This feasibility study provides recommendations and guidance on how the potential of the Vision for Land Use in the Glenkens could be realised. In 2023 the communities of the Glenkens adopted this Vision, which sets out their aspirations for creating a landscape which is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable, where all voices are heard, respected, and valued, and where empowered communities have more control over the market and policy forces which currently shape the use of land. The goal is that land use activities in the Glenkens will enhance local climate and environmental resilience, biodiversity and thriving communities. This is fully aligned with government priorities and policies, at local authority, regional and national level.

The study was commissioned by two key local organisations, the St John’s Town of Dalry Community Council and the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, with support from South of Scotland Enterprise and NatureScot. The report is based principally on 22 interviews with people from local communities and governmental, private and third sector organisations which have a stake in land use in the Glenkens. Initial recommendations derived from these interviews were discussed at a final workshop with representatives of forestry, farming, biodiversity and community interests, and their feedback was incorporated into this report.