Forestry and Land Scotland is inviting anyone with an interest in how Cally Woods (by Gatehouse of Fleet) is managed over the next 20 years to offer their views in an online consultation.
A new Land Management Plan for the Cally Woods area is being finalised and includes details of how FLS intends to manage the site over the next ten years, with an indicative proposal for the following ten years to 2040.
The detailed proposals identify how forest blocks will, over time, be converted either to broadleaf or mixed conifer woodlands and help boost local Community involvement and the restoration of priority habitats (Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland).
Stephen Stables, planning forester with the local FLS team, said;
“Lying in the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area, the Cally Woods site is made up of two distinct forest blocks – split by the A75(T) – that are generally surrounded by agricultural land. The site also contains elements of the nationally important 18th C designed landscape that surrounded Cally House.
“We’re mainly looking to improve the woods to enhance the designed landscape and to encourage greater biodiversity but getting more of the local community to make use of and enjoy the site is also high on our list. It’s a great recreational resource that people can use to help boost levels of mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“Getting the most out of the site will involve enhancing the existing broadleaf woodland areas with further native broadleaf species and we’d like to hear visitors’ and local people’s views on our plans to do this.
“Unfortunately, due to the situation with COVID-19 we will not be hosting a community drop-in event so as an alternative we’ve put all of the relevant documents on to our website.
“I’d encourage everyone with an interest to take a look and send their comments to us and if anyone for any reason is unable to access the documents online they can call the local team on 07881501586 to learn about what we are proposing and give us feedback.”
For more information contact the local team at [email protected] or [email protected]
