Background
The Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) is the lead organisation in creating The Central Scotland Forest. The Central Scotland Forest is a visionary undertaking to plant millions of trees across the central belt. Through tree planting projects, conservation, landscaping and other environmental improvements, the aim is to transform the landscape and bring economic benefits to the area making it a great place to work, live and visit.
T 
he work delivered through this project is very typical of what the Central Scotland Forest aims to achieve. The project is located on a former sand and gravel quarry and focused on the creation of community woodlands adjacent to the River Avon, West of Linlithgow Bridge.
The community woodland was developed through consultation with and for the benefit of local residents and visiting public and will through time transform the former quarry into an attractive riparian woodland and recreational resource.
In addition, the inclusion of public access facilities has helped to deliver a section of the River Avon Heritage Trail which is a long distance footpath project which aims to create a route along the full length of the River Avon from Slamannan in the Heart of Central Scotland to the shores of the River Forth at Grangemouth.
Land Ownership
The project was located on land owned by Callander Estates, Project delivery was secured through a standard CSFT landowner agreement and close partnership working with the landowners and funding partners.
Community Involvement
CSFT with the landowner engaged with the local community through inviting them to attend meetings to give their views, thoughts and opinions in relation to the project. The whole community within Linlithgow Bridge was leafleted regarding the proposals and good levels of support were achieved.
In addition, on completion of the site works a display board was erected within The Bridge Inn to give locals and visitors details of the delivered works and the provision for public access within the project area.
Project Delivery
Project implementation was achieved using approved contractors and Callander Estate direct labour. Work was delivered on site during the months of February and March 2003.
Project Outputs
The successful delivery of this project resulted in the planting of new woodland, positive management of a small existing mature woodland, upgrading of existing desire lines and the installation of footpaths and associated access enabling structures.
The outputs are as follows:
- Formation of existing "desire lines" and new routes into a 2.7km long graded and partially surfaced footpath.
- Management of 0.57ha of existing mature woodlands. Including the felling of dead and dangerous Elm trees adjacent to the river bank and access routes.
- Upgrading of 950m of existing agricultural fences into rabbit proof condition.
- Erection of 350m of stock and rabbit fencing.
- Ground preparation of 9.33ha of land using mechanical and hand preparation methods appropriate to the site conditions and plant needs.
- Planting of 22,200 mainly native broadleaved trees appropriate to the site and to a riparian woodland mix.
- 8 x 200mm diameter culvert drains and 800m of open drain to carry water efficiently and effectively from the new and upgraded path network.
- Installation of 7 self closing "kissing" gates and 4 timber field gates at site boundaries and the erection of associated post and rail entrance fencing.
- Design and installation of two site signage boards and 3 rustic timber seats.
Funding
The funding package for the full project was from sources which relate to specific elements of the project. Falkirk Council funded specific "access" elements of the project, whilst the Community Environment Renewal Grant, Forestry Commission funds and the private sponsorship elements supported the full suite of outputs within the project.
- Community Environmental Renewal Grant: £29,577
- Falkirk Council: £9,000
- Forestry Commission WGS: £9,796
- Private Sponsorship: £10,202
Project Maintenance
CSFT with the support of the landowners was to provide site maintenance through an appointed contractor for a period of 5 years. Maintenance work will ensure that the woodlands become established and that access routes and facilities remain in an appropriate and useable condition.
Maintenance beyond November 2006 will be delivered by Callander Estates direct labour team.
Contact
Central Scotland Forest Trust
Hillhouseridge
Shottskirk Road
Shotts
North Lanarkshire
ML7 4JS
Telephone: 01501 822015
Email: angus.duncan@csft.org.uk
www.csft.co.uk