In March 2026, DCT finalised the purchase of Cruachan Woodland and Cnoc Nan Craobh Woodland (Bluebell Hill) on the Orbost Estate. It has been a long journey from when HIE initially approached DCT about the sale of the estate several years ago, but it has been a worthwhile one, with much learnt along the way. Key to the process was DCT’s wish to ensure the outcome was what the community wanted.
Consequently the first thing DCT did when initially approached by HIE was to commission a feasibility study to look into buying the whole of Orbost Estate (excluding the farm and small holdings, which are not part of the sale), as well as several surveys to gauge community support. The feasibility study and surveys are on the DCT website to view. The general reaction to the proposed purchase of such a large piece of woodland was mixed. Although more responded favorably for the proposal than not, the enthusiasm and support necessary for such a large community commitment was lacking. This seemed to be for a number of reasons- the price tag of £2 million (this has almost certainly increased over the last few years) and objection to HIE proposing to sell it back to the community at such a price, the amount of work and expertise such a large scale project would require, and a feeling that owning it would not address some of the major issues facing the area, like a lack of affordable housing. Without strong community support, it is not ethical or even possible for DCT to undertake such a project.
DCT therefore decided against the purchase of the whole of the Orbost Estate but continued the dialogue with HIE over options in Orbost, and in lieu of a purchase of the entire forest, HIE was prepared to sell the smaller areas of Cruachan Wood to DCT. DCT engaged their assistance in drawing up a business plan for this scenario, which proposed the creation of 3 or 4 woodland crofts and seperate house sites with attached burderns.
DCT consulted further with the community about these proposals and met with Orbost residents and smallholders; it was a positive and supportive meeting and they were keen for Cnoc nan Craobh to also come into community ownership. HIE was open to the idea and a new business plan was produced which in its draft form outlining the creation 2 woodland crofts and associated housing or house sites which could be subject to the Rural Housing Burden. DCT also discussed with LSHA the possibility of an asset transfer of a plot of land which they originally intended to build 2 additional houses for affordable letting. HIE was open to this idea too, a new and the rest is history; DCT excitingly now own both Cruachan and Cnoc nan Craobh woodlands.
This is fantastic for the Community. Owning Cruachan woods opens up an area of land for community use, and provides further opportunities for affordable housing in Orbost. Cnoc nan Croabh woodland is a beautiful place much loved by locals for generations, and indeed a part of the local heritage of the area, being referenced in traditional song. In the DCT Community Action Plan 2025-35, residents identified more communal outdoor space as one of its 20 priority projects. DCT therefore feels incredibly fortunate to have been able to purchase the woodland on behalf of the community, so that it remains as a resource to be shared by the whole community.
Jenny Hey started working with us in March 2026 as a Woodland Project Officer to explore and write woodland management plans for Cruachan and Cnoc nan Craobh, and research the lease options for Cruachan Woods.
Cnoc nan Craobh
Following site assessment, advice from the Woodland Trust, and various community consultation events over spring 2026, DCT established that Cnoc nan Craobh should be managed primarily as a recreational space within a biodiverse native woodland habitat. There was a strong community feeling that the woodland shouldn’t be developed, or inadvertently promoted, and should be kept and loved as the magical spot it is.
This would involve minimal management through:
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Encouraging some areas of tree regeneration/planting of native species to encourage a greater age diversity in the tree cover and to improve its long term resilience and habitat range with at least 20% of the woodland retained as open glades. This is in keeping with the community's vision; to facilitate public access, and to enhance wildlife and conservation interests.
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Bracken and Salmonberry control to improve native biodiversity
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Maintaining existing paths and recreational infrastructure (gates & benches) to a good standard.
A small group of volunteers has been making a start on these with various bracken and salmonberry bashing days, fence repairs, and helping to plant snowdrops for visitors to enjoy in the late winter. We hope that a committed group will continue to look after the woodland into the future. If you would be interested in helping please contact Jenny at
Cruachan Woods
Similarly, Cruachan Woods is currently being assessed to determine how best to manage it in the future. As DCT intends for the wood to be leased to members of the community it is keen to avoid writing a management plan that would be too prescriptive for tenants. On the other hand it wishes to ensure that some aspects of the woodland are protected and continue to develop, so a “light touch” management plan, in consultation with the local community, is currently being developed.
It is also the intention to use some of the land purchased for the provision of affordable housing. DCT is currently researching the best option, and whether the woodland and housing should be leased as one unit, in the form of for example 2 crofts, or as independent houses and woodland leases. As with the other DCT affordable housing projects an allocation policy will be developed locally that prioritises people who already live here, or have a family connection, and in the case of the woodland, have crofting/woodland experience and produce a good management plan for the woodland as a part of the application process. No decisions have been made yet, and plans are in their early stages, so if you have any thoughts on how you would like to see Cruachan Woods managed in the future, we would love to hear from you: