Running alongside the training programme is a weekly volunteer day, targeted at young people but open to all. During 2010, volunteers have worked on a variety of projects including tree planting, brashing, coppicing and tree tube removal. Volunteers come from many different organisations such as Apex Borders (which supports young offenders), Carnegie College, Borders College, Ways 2 Work, Volunteer Centre Borders. This work is of great value to the volunteers, who are meeting new people, enjoying healthy exercise and gaining new skills and also to the community woodlands who rely on this volunteer effort to keep the woodlands in good condition.

As one young volunteer explained, “when I was told I was to go out one day a week on placement, I was really worried, as I have never done anything like that before...however I found that I really enjoyed my time”. She said, “I have learned loads about the woods and the need for these to be looked after, the best part for me is sunny days and the chat, the worst is the snow...”, adding, “the volunteering experience gives me something to get up for in the morning and there’s always something different happening all the time”.

The Blackford Trust is delighted to have been able to make a contribution towards this excellent progress during 2010, and the Borders Forest Trust and all the young people and leaders who took part are to be commended for these very worthwhile achievements.