What was once a little known, unmanaged and unused woodland in South Lanarkshire is now a vibrant outdoor learning space and thriving habitat for protected wildlife thanks to a six-figure renewable energy fund grant.

Loch Wood, a 65-acre ancient woodland on Blackwood Estate in Clydesdale, has been transformed since its 2018 purchase by the Blackwood Estate Community Association (BECA).

The acquisition was made possible by a £117,000 Renewable Energy Fund (REF) grant in 2020, supported by OnPath Energy's Kype Muir Wind Farm Fund and managed by South Lanarkshire Council.

Vicki Connick, the community association's treasurer and resident of the estate since 1989 said: "When we first took ownership, the woodland hadn't seen any real management since the 1970s. It was overgrown and badly affected by fly-tipping. It's now a safe, thriving space for nature, learning and community.

"The support from the Renewable Energy Fund, including £82,000 from OnPath Energy's Kype Muir Wind Farm Fund, was pivotal.

"OnPath Energy and the REF were the first to believe in us: their backing gave us credibility, opening the door to other funders like the Land Fund. Without that first offer of support, I honestly don't think the project would have happened."

The funding provided by the REF was the crucial first step, unlocking a further £67,000 investment from the Scottish Land Fund. The National Lottery, landfill funds and even a local neighbour came on board, completing the full funding package.

Màiri McAllan, the Clydesdale MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Housing, who attended the opening of Loch Wood in 2021 said: "Loch Wood is a wonderful community space being carefully managed for nature and people.

"Spending time in our natural environment is so important for our physical and mental health and I have been privileged to see, first hand, the work that has gone into taking ownership of and creating the space and then providing it for the community for learning and recreation.

"I am delighted that the Scottish Land Fund was able to support this work as well as local renewable energy projects and I congratulate all involved in creating this precious community greenspace."

Loch Wood, one of only four sites in Scotland awarded Nature30 status by the Scottish Government, is now a living classroom for the next generation.

Nature30 sites aim to protect 30 per cent of the planet by 2030 to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. Loch Wood is therefore now in the forefront of delivering key objectives of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045.

This year, BECA launched the Meet Your River and Clyde in the Classroom programmes at Loch Wood to reconnect the community with nature.

Free weekly outdoor learning sessions are also provided for up to 200 students from Blackwood, St John's and Bent Primary Schools and Lesmahagow High School.

OnPath Energy's community and partnerships manager, Aileen McCreadie said: "Loch Wood is the perfect example of the long-term, community-first legacy that renewable energy can help deliver.

"What began as a neglected and underused woodland has become a thriving biodiversity hub and a centre for outdoor learning. This is what the power of renewables looks like when it's done right, not just generating renewable energy, but also helping to regenerate communities.

"The transformation of Loch Wood shows how investment in local initiatives can unlock opportunity, strengthen connections, and create something of real value for generations to come. It's been a privilege to support such a forward-thinking and inspirational project."

OnPath Energy's Kype Muir and Middle Muir Wind Farms have been operational since 2019 delivering approximately £3.5 million of funding to community groups in total.

As participants of South Lanarkshire Council's Renewable Energy Fund (REF), they've delivered significant benefits for local communities. In 2024, both projects delivered around £1.2 million in community benefits.

In 2025, OnPath Energy continues to deliver funding to local groups in South Lanarkshire, helping communities to realise their ambitions with community benefits that reflect local priorities and facilitates long-lasting change.

For more information on the Kype Muir Wind Farm Community Fund, visit www.onpathenergy.com/kype-muir

And for more information on OnPath Energy, visit www.onpathenergy.com/

To learn more about Blackwood Estate Community Association, please visit: www.blackwoodestate.org