Forestry Commission - News - west lothian wood granted new lease of life

Blackmoss Village Nature Park, West Lothian, is getting a Ł46,125 funding boost from Forestry Commission Scotland as part of a drive to breathe new life into neglected woods close to populated areas and enhance the quality of life for those living nearby.

The funding comes from the 'Woods In and Around Towns' (WIAT) initiative which is designed to improve woodland environments, and increase access and recreational opportunities for people living in built up areas. WIAT funding is administered by Forestry Commission Scotland.

There have been five WIAT funding rounds to date with a total in excess of Ł9.2 million being committed to over a hundred projects, involving over 8,000 hectares of urban woodland across Scotland - an area the size of Edinburgh.

Announcing the woodland cash boost, Scottish Forestry Minister, Sarah Boyack said;

"There is growing awareness that woods in highly populated areas provide more than just recreation opportunities - they contribute to people's well-being, stimulate new economic activity and investment, generate education opportunities, help benefit the environment, and unite communities.

"This funding will provide the catalyst for many organisations to breathe new life into neglected woods throughout the country and encourage people to get out and about to enjoy the woods on their doorstep. A walk, run, ride or cycle in a local wood is often the perfect way to relax and escape the hectic rush of everyday life and can also make a significant contribution to people's health.

"By revitalising urban woodlands, improving access and increasing recreational opportunities within them, previously 'unwelcoming' woodlands can become a central part of daily community life."

Blackmoss Village Nature Park is situated on the western fringe of Armadale. It is surrounded by housing to the north, east and southeast, with open moorland to the west and playing fields to the south. The woodland improvement project receiving the cash boost, aims to make the woods a friendlier place to visit by opening up some of the dark corridors created by dense conifer forest. This will be done by phased felling and replacement with native broadleaves. Recreational facilities will be enhanced by path improvement works and provision of information leaflets. Community participation is a key element of the work and will be encouraged throughout the makeover process.

Leader of West Lothian Council, Graeme Morrice, said:

“The Blackmoss woodland was planted in 1978 on what was then derelict land. It is now a feature of Armadale and has become more of a community woodland over the years. However, it's needing work to improve its wildlife and local amenity value, to change it from a wood mainly of conifers to one which is more natural with native trees and planned future. The injection of funds from the Forestry Commission is a major opportunity to do this and, working with the Central Scotland Forest Trust, the council is now able to fulfil the ambitions of the community and ensure this unique feature becomes an even greater asset for Armadale."

Notes to Editors:
1) The funding to revitalise woodlands across Scotland is primarily from the WIAT (Woods In and Around Towns) Challenge Fund, to which applicants submitted bids to Forestry Commission Scotland. Challenge fund grants are paid as top-up to standard grants from Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme.

2) All the bids to the WIAT grant scheme had to include community consultation, improved access, landscape enhancement and work to boost wildlife habitats. Settlements with a population greater than 2,000 were invited to apply for the grants.

3) WIAT funding is no longer available following the closure of the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme on 31 August 2006 in preparation for the launch of the new Land Management Contracts in 2007.

4) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 668,000 hectares of national forest land for multiple benefits, including nature conservation, public recreation, timber production, and rural and community development; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy. For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland

Media enquiries to:
Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland, press office; tel: 0131 314 6507 or 07785 52759