New woodland being created

Work has begun on a new Woodland between Lochgelly and Cardenden.

A variety of trees will be planted at the 40-acre site at Briggshill to create Minto woodland. Funding for the project has come from Scottish Forestry.

Aiming to be completed by April 2021, the new woodland will benefit the local community in a number of ways, and will contribute to reducing Fife's carbon footprint, in line with Fife Council's Climate Change commitments. It will also be used by local schools for outdoor education activities.

Convener of the Community and Housing Services Sub Committee, Councillor Judy Hamilton, said:  "This new Woodland brings many fantastic opportunities for our communities, and will support people to walk, exercise and enjoy recreational activities that promote health and wellbeing and contribute to positive mental health with a range of outdoor activities. I'd like to thank Scottish Forestry, who working with Fife council officers,  have brought this project forward to this phase."

Tom Hobbs from Scottish Forestry’s Central Conservancy, added: “We were pleased to work closely with Fife Council and approve the woodland planting for this scheme which will contribute towards the Scottish Government’s tree planting targets.

“Scottish Forestry is always keen to maximise the many benefits that tree planting can have and we’re delighted that the local community and schools in the area will be getting involved in the woodland in the future.”