Views sought on woodland creation plan for old opencast site
Forestry and Land Scotland is inviting people in and around Shotts to take part in its development of a new Damside Land management Plan.
The plan is concerned with a 480ha of former opencast coal mine site (1.5 km south of Shotts) that is situated between upland forestry and windfarms to the south, and mixed pastures and woodland to the north.
It focuses on new woodland creation – both in terms of a long-term sustainable supply of timber and of improved biodiversity, and to create a community asset and recreational resource.
Nick Hill, Woodland Creation Officer with the FLS team in the area, 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.
“It’s really about getting the most out of the site using woodland creation as a means to help the long term recovery of former mining ground yet also generate a sustainable supply of timber.
“We intend to establish a new productive, diverse and resilient woodland, that will provide new habitats for species and create an attractive and accessible space for local people to enjoy.
“The consultation allows us to explain opportunities - and issues that we might have to contend with - and to get some constructive feedback from members of the public. However, given the current public health crisis we are unfortunately unable to hold public meetings or events and so have put everything online for people to view and feedback on at their leisure.”
Anyone who for any reason is unable to take part in an online consultation can contact the local team at Nicholas.Hill@forestryandland.gov.scot or 0300 067 6700 to learn more and offer their views.
The consultation will remain open until 8 January.
Notes to editors
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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.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot