The community-led nature project is calling for donations as its campaign enters its final fortnight.
People are being urged to keep donating to a public crowdfunder and major donors are being asked to step up as South Scotland’s biggest community buyout battles to overcome a £400,000 shortfall in just two weeks.
The town of Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway has until July 31 to raise £2.2million to purchase 5,300 acres of Langholm Moor from Buccleuch.
Success would double the size of the community-owned Tarras Valley Nature Reserve – helping to tackle the nature and climate emergencies while boosting community regeneration.
In recent days, the public crowdfunder – which has attracted support from thousands of people worldwide – has surged past its £200,000 target, thanks to an influx of donations.
But the public are being encouraged to keep donating as the ambitious buyout, led by the local Langholm Initiative charity, goes down to the wire.
Jenny Barlow, Tarras Valley Nature Reserve’s estate manager, said: “We need one last big push to help make history happen and get us over the line. We are urging major donors to come forward, and asking people to keep donating to our crowdfunder. Every pound gets us one step closer.”
Last month, the Scottish Land Fund awarded the Langholm Initiative charity £1m towards the buyout, while the public crowdfunder raised its target from £150,000 to £200,000 towards the purchase – both of which have given significant boosts to the fundraising campaign.
The Tarras Valley Nature Reserve was established last year, following the successful first stage of the community buyout.
This saw the community defy the odds to raise £3.8m to buy 5,200 acres and six residential properties from Buccleuch in March 2021.
On the reserve, globally important peatlands and ancient woods are being restored, native woodlands established, and a haven ensured for wildlife including hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin.
Community regeneration and job creation through a nature-based approach are central aims of the project as Langholm was once a thriving textile centre, with the industry declining in recent years.
Leading charities backing the buyout include Borders Forest Trust, John Muir Trust, Rewilding Britain, RSPB Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Trees for Life, and the Woodland Trust.
Buccleuch has supported the community bid, agreeing with The Langholm Initiative a fixed purchase price in 2019 and extending fundraising deadlines.
Ms Barlow added: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase this land for people and planet. It really is now or never for one of the UK’s largest community-led nature recovery projects to double its scale.”
