Good news about improving greenspaces and natural habitats for local communities, business and biodiversity

Millennium Woods get TLC

 

30th January 2011

 

Edinburgh’s Millennium woods are in for a sprucing up as part of an exciting initiative being led by LFGNP Woodland and Green Network Officer, Ross Woodside. Ross started in post with LFGNP in September and since then has been making waves around the Capital’s woodlands.

One of Ross’s first major challenges is to bring 70 small woods in and around the City into tip-top condition. The woods were established as part of the Millennium Forest for Scotland with assistance from Forestry Commission Scotland and local communities. Many of the woods now require thinning and maintenance. Ross's post has been funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

To get the ball rolling, Ross is working with local communities and Council staff to manage woods in the Sitehill, Clemiston and Drumbrae areas of the City. Much of the work will be undertaken by local contractors, however as the programme develops there will be opportunities to involve residents, volunteers and trainees directly in the work.

Ross said “ The Millennium Woods are a great resource for the people of Edinburgh but are now in need of a little TLC.  The management work we are undertaking is vital to ensure that these small woodlands provide a safe, attractive and welcoming backdrop for local residents in years to come”.

In addition to the Millennium Woods, Ross is also looking at the potential to improve other sites within the city. This includes an application to Forestry Commission Scotland’s WIAT (Woods in and Around Towns) initiative at Hunters Hall Park. The aim is to undertake woodland thinning and to provide recreational and health benefits for local people in the area.

“We want to make this a welcoming location for everyone”, said Ross. “...We want local people to use the area and be proud of it”.

For further information, please contact:

Ross Woodside
Edinburgh & Lothians Forest Habitat Network Officer
Tel: 0131 445 4025
Email: ross@lfgnp.org.uk

 

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