A PLANNED £900,000 community woodland buyout bid has been boosted – thanks to a BBC Radio 4 Today Show feature.

One contributor to a Crowdfunder, which was started by Friends of Broughtonknowe Woods (FoB), specifically mentioned hearing about the story on the radio programme.

The scheme also featured on ITV news and BBC Scotland.

In January, FoB secured first stage cash of £30,000 from the Scottish Land Fund (SLF).

This was to pay for a comprehensive business plan.

If the group is awarded full funding by the SLF, it would have to raise about a further five per cent – which would be nearly £45,000 of the total purchase price of £900,000.

Currently, the Crowdfunder totals £1,534 – 30 per cent of its initial target of £5,000.

Leonie Upton, who contributed to the cause, wrote: “I heard about your story on Radio 4 and was heartened to hear what you’re trying to achieve.

“My donation isn’t much, but every little helps, and hopefully, if enough people hear about your cause, it might just get you the money you need.

“Promote like might and keep me posted with how you get on, fingers crossed.”

Devon farmer Sally Jackson also wished the project well and contributed to the fund.

The woods were planted by Major David Balfour-Scott in the 1980s and his vision was for a woodland, with commercial potential, softened by amenity and the beauty of native species.

Since 2001 Broughtonknowe has been owned by Christopher Lambton who has put it on the market.

Patricia Scott made the highest donation to date of £200 to the Crowdfunder and dedicated it as follows: “In memory of our dear Uncle David and Aunt Marjorie Scott who planted these woods.”

Ian Brooke, FoB’s chairman, said: “This appeal is to help build a fund to use as ‘match funding’ for a considerable SLF funding bid to purchase the woodland in summer 2024.

“Friends of Broughtonknowe Woodland was set up in 2021 to bring together like minded people aiming to improve the woodland amenity and increase its biodiversity, with the encouragement of the owners.”