Douglas Primary School pupils last month rolled up their sleeves to help plant 250 trees at a community event at Mainshill, a former coal site that is now managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. 

Around 130 enthusiastic children and teachers were joined by members of the local community to help plant the trees, which will form part of the larger woodland being created on the site.

Roddy McTavish, Community Ranger for FLS said;

“It was great to have so many pupils from the local primary school out helping to plant trees that they will see grow through their lifetime.

“Some parents were able to come along and join the planting which was fantastic helping to create lasting links between the community and the site.”

The planting on site by contractors will continue for the next few months, with around 220,000 trees due to be planted by the end of April.

Nick Hill, Woodland Creation Forester for FLS said;

“The tree planting effort will eventually result in a fantastic woodland resource for everyone to enjoy but the community can still help by making sure that the saplings have chance to grow.

“Until they are up above head height young trees are really vulnerable to browsing from deer, hares and rabbits so it would be a great help if everyone remembers to ensure that the  deer fence gates are kept closed. By keeping the animals out, the trees have a better chance of  becoming an established forest.”

Work on site will continue over the next few years carrying out ongoing maintenance on the newly planted trees.

Notes to editors

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

3. 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.