Newtonhill Woodland Group Needs Volunteers

A popular community woodland on the outskirts of Wick, managed by a committed community group, are now looking for new volunteers to help continue their good work.

The Friends of Newtonhill group has existed for over 5 years and has made significant contributions to works at the site such as path improvements, the creations of an all-abilities trail and putting up wildlife interpretation panels. The group are now looking for new volunteers to help continue their good work.

The Highland Council’s Caithness East Ranger Lindsey Duncan said:  “The woodland is regularly used by the public.  Last years figures show that over 25,000 walkers visited the site and over 3,400 horse-riders used the bridle trails.  This makes the woodland one of the most frequently used sites in the county, particularly with dog walkers.  It is also an important wildlife haven supporting species such as fox, kestrel and woodland birds such as tits, finches and robins.” 

The next AGM of the Friends of Newtonhill group will be held at Wetherspoons in Wick on Wednesday 2 May at 7.30pm.  The group is unfortunately losing some key members (chairman, treasurer and secretary) and so they are calling for more volunteers to help sustain the group. 

Lindsey Duncan added:  “The group are very active and are looking to recruit new members.  They would welcome further support from the local community and would appreciate more input and involvement from within the hundreds of users who regularly visit the site.”

Anyone who is interested in getting involved can come along to the AGM on 2 May to find out more about the work of the group. 

The community group is supported by the Highland Council Countryside Rangers who are part of the Planning and Development Service and are assisted in their work by Scottish Natural Heritage.