Anyone with an interest in how Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) Piperhill site (2 km east of Sinclairston, East Ayrshire) is managed over the next 10 years is invited to take part in a consultation and give their views.

This former open cast coal mine site, a recent FLS acquisition, 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, said; 

“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.”

For more information contact the local team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. A draft of the current proposals for the management plan can be seen online.

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 0131 370 5059 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.