Moves to safeguard historic wood

A series of public meetings have been organised to help develop plans for the site.

The woodland, which forms part of the Kinneil Estate, has been in existence since the 18th Century.

Among the woods are a Roman fortlet and the Antonine Wall, currently bidding to become Scotland's latest World Heritage Site.

The area is owned by Falkirk Council, which has brought in the environmental charity Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) to develop a management plan for the site.

Mike Ewart, CSFT's sustainable development officer, said it was vital that work was carried out to protect the woods.

He said: "The woods have suffered from high winds in recent years. Many trees have been blown over and a substantial part to the west of the site has been lost.

"We're now looking at ways to improve the area.

"Safeguarding local forests is essential to preserving wildlife and helping the environment."

Second event

The Kinneil Estate was originally owned by the Duke of Hamilton.

In 1922, the former Bo'ness Town Council - now Falkirk Council - purchased the woodland area and estate under the Public Parks Act.

As well as acres of woodland, the park includes a section of the Antonine Wall, historic Kinneil House and Kinneil Museum.

The first public meeting, hosted by the charity The Friends of Kinneil, is due to take place on Thursday at 1930 GMT.

Residents will also be able to air their views at a second event, hosted by Bo'ness Community Council, on Wednesday, 13 February, starting at 1900 GMT.

Both talks will be held in the rooms above Bo'ness Library in Scotland's Close.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Falkirk Council
CSFT
Friends of Kinneil
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