Feedback sought on ten-year plan for North Kyle Forest

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is inviting local people in the Doon Valley area and regular users of North Kyle Forest to offer their views on the development of a long-term plan for the forest.

Every FLS woodland is managed according to a Land Management Plan (LMP) that is reviewed every ten years.

Proposals in the new LMP focus on providing visitor experience as well as restoring former open cast areas and improving woodland quality. Modest sustainable timber production is a minor consideration.

FLS’ Forest Planner for East Ayrshire, Joanne Daly, said;

“As with all of our land management plans, we’re looking at how we manage this site over the next ten years and also outline our ideas for the ten years beyond that.

“Our vision is to provide a hub of recreation within a Green Energy Zone for the local population where previous land use has revolved around industrial heritage associated with open cast mining.

“It is really about getting the most out of North Kyle in terms of public access as well as renewable energy and some timber production.

“We’d be happy to explain the opportunities and issues, hear some ideas, and get some constructive feedback from members of the public.”

FLS is holding a public drop-in event at Ochiltree Community Hub on Tuesday 27th August 2024 (2pm – 7pm), where staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the proposals.

In the meantime, all the relevant documents are online so that anyone interested can read through them and provide feedback at their leisure.

Anyone who is unable to take part in either the online or planned drop-in consultation events can contact joanne.daly@forestryandland.gov.scot to learn more and offer their views.

This current round of consultation will remain open until 16th November 2024.

Notes to Editor

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot