Local residents in Larbert are being invited by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to offer feedback on long-term plans for the management of Larbert woods, located beside the Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Sitting within a former designed landscape, this is a significant site for recreation, health and wellbeing with areas of woodland dating back to the 1800s.

The site suffered from a lack of management for a number of years until 2010 but has benefited from significant improvements since. FLS took ownership of the site in 2019 and, having been a significant delivery partner during the previous decade, now intends to maintain and build on these successes into the future.

Sandy Davidson, Planning Forester for FLS, said;

“Forestry management is a long-term activity so part of this review is about the future management of the trees with selective thinning to maintain the long-term health and longevity of the woodlands.

“We’re also looking at potentially reducing the frequency of cutting large areas of parkland with an aim of developing improved habitats, we will continue to undertake grass cutting in key areas along paths to maintain recreational use.

“Follow up action will also be taken to ensure Rhododendron does not come to dominate the site again in future years.

“We know that local residents usually have a strong interest in what happens to their local woodlands, so we’re inviting everyone with an interest to have a look at the plans and provide us with some feedback.” 

More information about the plans and an opportunity to feedback is available online. The closing date for feedback is Friday 9 December.

Notes to editors

1. All images one time free of charge usage with this PR. Please ensure credit.

2. 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.

3. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

4. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.