The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Woodlands and activity centre plans unveiled
FIFE: Proposal for project at 10-acre site on the outskirts of Glenrothes would cater for outdoor learning
Plans for an outdoor learning and activity centre and the creation of new woodlands on the outskirts of a Fife town have been unveiled.
The proposal includes an outdoor education facility near the existing Pitcairn Centre and close to Coul reservoir in Glenrothes and is earmarked for completion next year if it is approved by planners.
A 10-acre enclosed woodland site, put forward by Grays Planning and Development on behalf of the Nature’s Nook charity, will also include four base camps and a welcome centre.
The project, backed by the Woodland Trust, will be available for use by schools and community groups across the region and will also accommodate learning opportunities for those with additional needs.
“Prior to Nature’s Nook becoming involved, the land had unfortunately been removed of trees and has lain vacant, with some places overgrown and not of any real interest in terms of ecology, natural heritage or interest,” said the charity in its design brief.
“The site lies close to the existing Pitcairn Centre, an outdoor education centre run by Fife Countryside and Coast Trust, so is very accessible on foot and can connect walkers to further access routes to the Lomond Hills and other short circuits around Coul woods and reservoir.”
Proposals also include the creation of a woodland to the north of the site, which will include replanting one hectare of native Scottish species
The initiative is being led by Woodland Trust under its More Woods More Hedges campaign. The planting will include 1,400 trees including oak, rowan, bird cherry, hazel and goat willow.
“The planting will include 1,400 trees...
The trust is supporting the applicant’s plans for the woodland as part of a broader commitment to plant one million trees a year over the next decade in the UK.
Each base camp building will also be finished with larch cladding produced and supplied sustainably by nearby Falkland Estate.
A full planning application is expected to be lodged next month with work to begin on site by mid 2021 and completion before the end of the year if the project is given the green light.