Demonstration crofts in Coigach & Assynt

We will be looking for enthusiastic and forward-looking crofters to take up the demonstration croft opportunity. The croft selection will be done in a competitive and transparent way. Croft development will be guided by an agreed plan and implemented by a combination of training event, the crofter him/herself, a development budget, and funding through rural payments schemes.

Do you want to develop your croft?  Would you be willing to share your experiences and knowledge to help Coigach/Assynt crofters?  Many crofters have said that they’d like to see some crofting development happen in our area, so CALLP have put aside funding to have one croft in each area used as a base for demonstrations, training and advice.  Suggestions so far have included:

• Benefits of lime and fertiliser
• advice on bracken and rush control
• access to AECS and CAGS and other schemes

and all other ideas are welcome. A few meetings (by arrangement) a year would be held on the croft, and other than some labour and willingness to try things out, there would be no cost to the host.  It is an opportunity to gain advice and share know-how.  There was a similar idea on Skye where they had a ‘Monitor Township’ which worked really well and ended with reseeds, a bull pen and lots of crofters in an agri-environment scheme.

If you would be willing to be the demo croft, contact Anne Campbell, Crofting & Rural Projects Coordinator, by email at aacampbell@coigach-assynt.org or call 01571 844 638 or 07799494271