FORESTRY and Land Scotland (FLS) is inviting anyone with an interest in how its Piperhill site near Sinclairston, East Ayrshire is managed over the next decade to take part in a consultation and give their views.
The former opern cast coal mine site is located on the shoulder slopes between North Kyle Forest to the south and extensive lowland pastures to the north.
The Land Management Plan being developed for the site focuses on new woodland creation, sustainable timber production, enhancing biodiversity, and improving recreational access. It includes details of how FLS intends to manage the site until 2030 and additionally indicates a direction of travel for the following 10 years to 2040.
Nick Hill, planning forester with the local FLS team, commented: “Piperhill has a huge amount of potential and we believe it could provide an interesting and diverse gateway to the wider North Kyle block for a long-term increase in recreational.
“The initial phase of the plan focuses on new woodland creation on former mining ground. A mix of conifer and broadleaved woodlands, open wet woodland and a variety of open habitats are proposed.
“There is potential for this to become a valued community asset, so we’d really like to get as much local feedback and input as possible.
“Unfortunately, due to the situation with COVID-19, we are not able to hold any community drop-in events or even plan for one, so as an alternative, we’ve put all of the relevant documents on to our website. I’d encourage everyone with an interest to take a look and send us their comments to us.”
A draft of the current proposals for the management plan can be seen here.
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