What we do

Barvas Estate Trust works to deliver a range of services and activities. This includes work undertaken in partnership with other organisations, short term projects, and long term initiatives to support the future of the area.

Peatland Restoration

Peatlands – Working with the Western Isles Peatland Officer we applied to Peatland Action for funding to carry out Peatland Restoration.

Social Housing

We are working with Hebridean Housing Partnership to look at potential social housing projects within the Estate.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy – Working with Community Energy Scotland on a project to supply electricity to the Barvas Hatchery, via a private wire.

Food Bank

Foodbank – As lockdown began the Trust were asked by the local youth club parents and community learning and development officer if we would help.  We continue to be involved in supporting this initiative.

Fire Safety

Working with the Fire Service and other community landowners to discuss what opportunities there would be to work with each other to provide safer communities

Energy Efficiency

Working with Tighean Innse Gall on an energy efficiency programme for existing houses, involving installation of measures and advice.  A Slow Cooker Recipe Book was created.

Coastal Erosion

Bragar Cemetery – Coastal Erosion – The Trust is working alongside the local Grazings Committee and Cemetery Committee to try and address the Coastal erosion at Bragar Cemetery which is threatening the Cemetery wall.

Land Management

Deer/rabbit/goose management initiatives – the company is working with Grazing Committees and neighbouring estates and landowners to manage and control the numbers.  For deer, the Trust is a member of the Lewis and Harris Deer Management Group.

Community Garden

Community Garden – Following the completion of an Asset Transfer of land around the Barvas Industrial Estate, the Trust began using part of it to create a community garden.  They secured funding from the Island Green Recovery Fund to erect 3 Polycrubs.