As part of our ongoing woodland regeneration efforts, Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) has been considering how best to restore the former opencast mines at North Kyle Forest, East Ayrshire for community use. Over the last few years, we've worked closely with local organisations and community groups to create a 30 year masterplan for sustainable environments and developments on the site. These could enable economic, environmental and social regeneration in the local area.

 

 The masterplan for North Kyle Forest (PDF 10.3MB) aims to create a lasting and positive legacy, replacing a blighted landscape and connecting people, place and nature.

 

Key to the plan is: 

• Designing an environment that's more natural and more welcoming to wildlife;
• Connecting communities emotionally and physically with the forest;
• Providing high-quality opportunities for outdoor education, activity and recreation;
• Encouraging people to stay healthy and happy;
• Creating valuable jobs and training opportunities for young people;
• Helping deliver the Scottish Government objectives for a smarter, healthier, greener, wealthier, fairer, safer and stronger Scotland.

The masterplan shows how a series of practical and creative projects could deliver local and strategic regeneration priorities. This would be facilitated through a combined group including FES, local organisations and national agencies working in partnership to transform the area.

Consultation and Feedback

A key component of the design process has been engagement with stakeholders and the public. The outcomes have been critical to the direction taken.

Extensive consultation was undertaken with local communities and organisations. This included two exhibitions/consultation events and several agency/community workshops. Public consultation on the masterplan took place from October – November 2015. Comments were invited from the public and consultation events that took place in Dalmellington Area centre. Public and stakeholder submissions are contained within the masterplan.

Contact us

If you have any feedback, questions or comments on the masterplan, please contact:

Lyndy Renwick
Community Projects Manager
lyndy.renwick@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Forest Enterprise Scotland
Galloway Forest District
Creebridge
Newton Stewart
DG8 6AJ

0300 0676896
07818 016963