Evaluation for Plock Masterplan – Heritage Lottery Funding

Below is the evaluation of the three-year funding received from the Heritage Lottery Fund in November 2020. This evaluation was sent back to HLF as a review of the work undertaken on the Plock.

Executive Summary

What we wanted to happen

Kyle and Lochalsh suffered from limited access to social and group activities, which are beneficial for general wellbeing. Our project aimed to deliver greater community wellbeing and cohesion through access to a natural and stimulating environment at the community-owned parkland, the Plock, and the adjacent former Skye Bridge toll office. The goal was to make the Plock ‘the heart of our community’.

In 2020, Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust (KLCT) secured funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund to employ a Ranger and an Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Officer. Their role was to rehabilitate the Plock, enhance community access, engage individuals and groups in outdoor activities, and increase wellbeing and skills through initiatives such as Forest School, Green Prescribing with the local GP surgery, and Branching Out to improve mental health.

Working with Highland Green Health Partnership, Kyle Medical Practice, schools, nurseries, and 12 local organisations, KLCT delivered a range of activities at the Plock involving the most vulnerable in our community. The funding also allowed the employment of two new staff members, delivery of activities, improvement of the Plock’s condition, and capital upgrades to the Toll Office.

This project is part of a bigger plan for the Plock, aiming to provide new recreational facilities and opportunities in this rural community, which has been identified as the second most fragile community in the Highlands by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

What Actually Happened

Creating a community workspace

The old Skye Bridge toll office was renovated, transforming it into a bustling centre of operations. KLCT has since expanded in staff numbers and projects, and the office is used by all.

The Community Shed opened once Covid restrictions allowed, with a slow start. It soon became apparent that the original community room was too small and we reached full capacity quickly. To accommodate everyone, we adapted the shed to an outdoor workspace, allowing people to work on individual projects or contribute to Plock improvements such as building bird boxes, raised beds, and completing a partially finished roof. KLCT decided to collaborate with the existing Broadford and Strath Men’s Shed to open a joint shed once suitable premises are available.

The storage container has been a huge asset, storing all Ranger gear and outdoor activity equipment. While space has been outgrown, it remains a vital resource.

Improving wild relationships

Replacing benches, bridges and signage

Significant improvements were made to the Plock’s accessibility and appearance. Old bridges were replaced, new ones installed to improve disabled access, information signs and directional routes were added, and benches and contemplation posts were placed to encourage visitors to pause and reflect.

These improvements have been very successful. However, increased access brings more visitors, which increases wear on paths and requires ongoing maintenance. Despite this, the work has been a huge success and highlights the need to continue.

Connecting with our local community

Volunteer activities and training

At the project’s start, a small core group of volunteers maintained the Plock during periods without a Ranger. This group remains central to conservation efforts, though numbers have reduced due to moving away, job changes, and illness. New volunteers have joined, but overall numbers have declined, averaging 3.7 per session at the start and 2.2 per session in later months.

Other volunteers have contributed to Forest School, mental health support groups, Resting Rowans, and event support. While numbers remain low, participants develop transferable skills through niche activities.

Nurseries, primary and secondary schools

Initial expectations of repeat school visits were hampered by Covid. In 2021, visits were limited to the nearest nursery. 2022 saw 226 school visits (116 individual children) involving tree planting, outdoor Viking games, and art activities. 2023 saw disruptions due to snow, school strikes, and inset days, though one repeat and one new school visited. Activities were structured in stations to accommodate whole schools. An after-school Forest School now operates Fridays, aiming for future regular school engagement.

Family activities

Visitor numbers were tracked with a people counter installed in May 2021. Informal self-led activities included ‘Wee Woodlanders’, a Viking runes trail, and natural weaving. MANGO Toddlers (Music, Art, Nature, Games, Outdoors) ran 10-week sessions with 56 attendees in 2022. Seasonal challenges such as winter weather affected participation. Two large family events, the KLCT Open Day and the Plock Scything Festival, are held annually.

Visitor numbers increased year on year until July 2023, when numbers dipped, likely due to weather and the need for varied activities.

Helping our community to become healthier

Social prescribing

The Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Officer worked to establish social prescribing with Kyle Medical Practice. By November 2023, progress enabled a simple online GP and self-referral system for individuals to select activities suited to their needs. In December 2023, the first referrals were received.

A Magic Little Grant allowed construction of ‘green gym’ equipment at the Plock, with the first elements installed and well used. Plans for a full outdoor gym are under development.

Encouraging walking and mental wellbeing through a benchmark trail and guided walks

The Tree Trail opened in May 2022, featuring 12 notable trees with benches for contemplation. Web pages provide detailed information about each tree, which can be updated as needed. Feedback shows the trail is appreciated for exploration, learning, and maintaining language and culture.

Generating employment

Employ a full-time Ranger and a part-time Outdoor Learning Officer

Three staff were employed: the Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Officer (Nov 2020), the Ranger (Jan 2021), and a replacement Ranger covering maternity leave. The Outdoor Learning Officer retired in Nov 2023, leaving a strong legacy. Staff relocations have supported the local community, with family settlement and ongoing employment.

Utilising media

Updating the Management Plan

The Habitat Management Plan was developed over several years and is updated as changes occur.

Newsletters, social media and press releases

The Plock Facebook page has 630 members with strong engagement. KLCT’s parent page has 2.5k followers. The community newsletter, CommUnity News, features articles every two months. The West Highland Free Press publishes articles and has 3,400 readers.

Plock Mission Statement:

Together with the residents of Kyle and Lochalsh, we will build the Plock into a thriving, vibrant, welcoming green space accessible to all. Here, people can be inspired by outdoor events, find freedom in the local nature, and positively improve their mental and physical health. Wildlife will always have a home, as we increase biodiversity and enrich habitats for appreciation by all.

Review

The project has been a huge success. Over three years, KLCT organised open days, Viking Day (400 attendees), and the Scything Festival (300 attendees). A community garden was established, growing workshops held, and multiple events delivered. Biodiversity has increased and more visitors attend from near and far.

Visitor numbers have plateaued, but achieving events with 300+ attendees is significant in a village of 590. Tourist visits have grown, but there is potential for further reach.

Survey results from a 2023 environmental activities day:

• 1% wanted more environmental education
• 9% wanted more citizen science events
• 5% noticed a difference in the Plock
• 63% learned more about the natural world
• 74% felt the project positively impacted their wellbeing
• 5% found a positive impact on health and fitness, 44% learned new skills

Funding also employed a part-time Community Grower for one year, working with volunteers to supply the Community Fridge and grow traditional plants.

KLCT held workshops based on the 2021 Community Survey and Local Action Plan, with school children depicting the Plock as the centre of their lives — a testament to it being the heart of the community.

The Plock Ranger delivered informal learning, biodiversity-focused activities, and is leading a six-month pilot environmental learning project funded by the Highlands and Island Environment Foundation, supporting future funding applications.

Summary of Lessons Learnt

• Always innovate!
• Offer different activities to attract different people.
• Be flexible: schools may struggle with transport and funding; consider alternative approaches such as travelling to schools.
• Keep learning: communicate using multiple methods to reach all demographics; rely on a mix of internet, social media, and traditional methods.