Buccleuch Estate has extended the fundraising deadline for a bid to double the size of Langholm Initiative’s land - Scotland’s biggest community buy-out.
The Langholm Initiative hopes to raise another £2.2m to buy around 5,300 acres of land as part of its Tarras Valley Nature reserve.
Last year it completed a £3.8m deal with Buccleuch for a similar sized piece of land in the area.
The initial deadline was set for 31 May, but has now been extended to 31 July in order to gather further funds.
Concerns have been raised that the project could face a £450,000 shortfall by the end of the original agreed date.
The extension is hoped to let the initiative raise enough funds to be able to buy the slice of land, which would double its its ownership to 10,500 acres.
On the reserve, peatlands and ancient woods are being restored, while native woodlands are established, all helping attract wildlife, including hen harriers, short-eared owls and merlins.
Charities backing the buyout include the Borders Forest Trust, John Muir Trust, Rewilding Britain, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Trees for Life, and the Woodland Trust.
The Langholm Moor buyout’s public crowdfunder has almost reached its initial target of raising at least £150,000 towards the £2.2m.
“This timely support from Buccleuch gives us breathing space to ensure our landmark project for people and the planet doesn’t fall at the final hurdle - it highlights the value of the positive working relationship we’ve developed over the past few years,” said Jenny Barlow, Tarras Valley Nature Reserve’s estate manager.
“Despite the wonderful outpouring of support from people worldwide, there was a real risk we might have been some £450,000 short on deadline day – putting at risk our ambitious plans for tackling the nature and climate emergencies while boosting community regeneration. “We now need all the support possible to get this historic buyout over the line and safeguard this land for future generations.”
Benny Higgins, executive chairman at Buccleuch, said: “We’re pleased to be able to extend the timescale for the Langholm Initiative to raise the funds necessary to make this second-phase community buyout a reality.
“We have worked closely with The Langholm Initiative in recent years and have been impressed by their tenacity, vision, and cooperation to bring their plans to fruition.”
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