We're fast approaching our first anniversary and are looking back at how things have progressed since April 2014, and looking ahead to a full programme of projects as we become more firmly established.
Its been a very busy year which has taken us from being a feasibility study to an operating registered charity with a suite of projects, membership, and clear focus and for the way ahead. Highlights have been our Act Alfresco and Your Act campaigns which served the dual purpose of raising awareness of our Trust and its objectives, and also distributed seedcorn funds across the area to some very creative and resourceful Argyll residents. Our Summer Walks in Mid-Argyll, and very popular series of geocaches have also been a success.
Rhododendron Ponticum is never far from our agenda and we will shortly be submitting two funding applications for programmes which will make some headway on this huge task.
Supporting rural skills and training opportunities are also high priority for us, and we aim to combine these with path maintenance and access projects. We’re keen to work with existing groups find a way to deliver this across the area although are likely to start with a pilot in one location and extend as time and finances allow.
We will develop opportunities for volunteers to get involved in projects as part of a structured team, and clearing invasives and path maintenance are areas where we can use all the help we can get!
Other emerging projects for the coming year are developing a paths network around the Tighnabruaich area with supporting signage and promotion, and delivery of the fantastic “Branching Out” programme across Argyll. “Branching Out” provides woodland activities on referral for mental health services and has been extremely successful in Highland region and which we would love bring here.
AGM
The date for our AGM has been set for Friday 15th May at Portavadie Marina. All of our members will be invited to join us, so if you have not yet submitted your membership application please do so soon and we can save you a place for lunch! In addition to the formalities and elections of Trustees there will be plenty of opportunities to network and share your ideas for ACT. We're particularly keen to find out what membership benefits might tempt people to sign up - discount tickets, events or greater input into project development? And then during the afternoon we'll hear from winning entrants in "Your Act" as we launch the new competition for 2015, before heading outside to locate a geocache!
