Community completes epic land buyout in ‘moment of history and hope’ - The Langholm Initiative
A new nature reserve in the uplands of Dumfries and Galloway has doubled in size with the legal completion of the South of Scotland’s largest community buyout, in what organisers say is a ‘moment of history and hope’ for nature, climate and people.
The landmark agreement of £2.2m for 5,300 acres was reached between The Langholm Initiative charity and Buccleuch, after a hugely ambitious community fundraising campaign.
With the official transfer of land ownership finalised on 4 November, the Dumfriesshire town of Langholm has achieved its original goal of raising a total of £6m to create a 10,500-acre reserve to tackle the nature and climate crises, and boost community regeneration.
John Hanrahan, Chair of the Langholm Initiative, said: “This is a moment of history and hope. It shows how communities can achieve the remarkable when people work together, even when the odds seem impossible. Huge thanks go to the thousands of people who went above and beyond to make this happen, and to Buccleuch for working with us so positively throughout.”
The buyout’s first stage made global headlines in 2021 after the community successfully raised £3.8m to purchase an initial 5,200 acres and six residential properties from Buccleuch. This led to the creation of the community-owned nature reserve in one of the biggest projects of its kind in the UK. The additional 5,300 acres now added to the reserve include internationally significant peatlands, the headwaters of the River Tarras, and three properties including a working upland sheep farm.
A community-led plan will shape the next five years of priorities and activities, including community regeneration through a nature-based approach. Langholm was once a thriving textile centre, but the industry has declined in recent years. Six new jobs have already been created on the reserve.
Emerging opportunities include conservation grazing, regenerative farming, woodland and peatland restoration, and a possible field studies centre, alongside increased eco-tourism through hiking trails. A haven will be ensured for wildlife including rare hen harriers, the UK’s most persecuted bird of prey.
More on:
Posted On: 11/11/2022