We bought woodland where we walk our dogs for £900k
BBCA group of dog walkers in the Borders have bought their local woodland after raising almost £900,000.
Fears were growing that Broughtonknowe would be taken over by a commercial timber company after it was put on the market in 2023.
But locals managed to raise the asking price to secure the 56-hectare (140-acre) forest, between Peebles and Biggar, ahead of last month's deadline.
Fundraiser John Hart said: "It's almost unbelievable that we have raised the money and are now the owners."
The woodland at Broughtonknowe had been operating for about 40 years as a commercial forest.
Several footpaths and an access road had been maintained to encourage wildlife lovers and dog walkers to enjoy the scenery.
During lockdown several of the regular dog walkers teamed up with the owner, Christopher Lambton, to create Friends of Broughtonknowe.
For a couple of years they introduced more pathways, created wildlife ponds, built a bird hide and developed picnic areas.
But ill-health led the owner to announce his intention to sell in 2023.
Mr Hart added: "When Christopher became unwell and decided the woodland had to go on the market, my heart dropped.
"Throughout lockdown Broughtonknowe was where we could go for a walk, and we all became really attached to the place."
As well as large areas of commercial softwoods, such as Sitka spruce and larch, the vast hillside forest also has areas of native broadleaf trees, such as ash, aspen, oak and sycamore.
Willow, rowan and holly have also more recently been planted around the growing number of ponds and viewpoints.
The small friends group managed to rally wider support from across Peeblesshire as it set about raising the £875,000 asking price.
With support from the Scottish Land Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise and SSE Renewables - as well as crowdfunding and private donations - the newly formed charity, Broughtonknowe Community Woodland (BCW), reached its target.
Charity secretary Alastair Leaver said: "We feared that if we were unable to purchase Broughtonknowe a commercial forester would come in and the whole woodland would be turned over to Sitka spruce.
"If that had happened, all the wildlife would be ruined and our enjoyment of the place would have been over.
"It's been a challenging time trying to raise the money, but there has been a lot of enthusiasm from across the community."
Although the sale has just been completed, the new owners already have plans to further improve biodiversity across the woodland.
They are also throwing out an invitation for other groups to enjoy the forest.
Chair of the group, Ian Brook, believes Broughtonknowe was worth fighting for.
He said: "This place is loved by the community - there can be a dozen cars in the car park yet you walk for over an hour without seeing another soul.
"At the same time, it is used for people coming together - whether it's wellbeing groups, yoga or education - and we hope even more groups can come and enjoy what is here.
"We will make sure, though, that nature is in control, not any timber companies."
Although BCW only has a five-strong board, the charity is supported by 140 members.
Since the recent completion of the purchase, bee hives have been introduced and fruit trees have been planted.
Over the coming weeks a new shelter will be built and an area has been earmarked for up to 50 hazel trees.
Local councillor Viv Thomson said: "This really is a fairytale that's come true.
"It would have been devastating if Broughtonknowe had become a commercial forest."
