In 2004, Borders Forest Trust (BFT) and Venlaw Community Woodland (VCW) group approached Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to request a 25 year management agreement over an area of Common Good woodland at Venlaw, Peebles.
This agreement between SBC and BFT was signed on 18^thApril 2005.   A further agreement was signed between BFT and VCW to state that VCW would manage the woodland with technical assistance from BFT. 

BFT’s role within Venlaw Woodland is as a conduit between VCW and the long term management goals of the group.  BFT has the resources to assist VCW in such projects as grant applications and practical woodland management.

Venlaw is the closest woodland to Peebles town centre, offering a valuable resource and providing recreational amenity for both tourists and the local community.  There are formal and informal walking links beyond the Venlaw Woodland boundary.

Adjoining the woodland, to the north-west, is Castle Venlaw Hotel,which may be accessed from the main right of way track (leading northwards from Peebles to Leithen Water via Glentress Forest and Shieldgreen).

Venlaw Community Woodland was constituted as a group entity in October 2004 and its objectives are:
To manage and conserve the Venlaw Community Woodland area to ensure its continuity as a valued woodland amenity;
To preserve public access to Venlaw and the Common Good Woodland area;
To involve the community in the important task of maintaining an urban green area;
To enhance the value of the Woodland area for nature conservation. 

It was agreed by BFT and VCW that the establishment of Venlaw Community Woodland would fit well within the overall vision, strategic aims and objectives of both BFT and VCW.