Woodland works will improve biodiversity and walkways

Work is to begin on woodland improvements in Dunnikier Park, Middle Den and Pannie Den in Kirkcaldy.

The project by Fife Council, Fife Golf Trust and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust will benefit from more than £61,000 from the Forestry Commission Scotland through its Woodland In and Around Towns initiative.

Richard Smith, team manager for access and biodiversity, said: “Dunnikier and the Dens have been identified as priority woodlands in helping us to meet our targets for improving biodiversity, sustainable access and community participation.

“Initially this project will carry out some tree thinning to allow space for other tree species to grow, to make them secure against high winds and to help develop a more biodiverse woodland ground flora.

“We’ll have signage on site but are keen to inform walkers in the area that although this might appear quite invasive work, it will be a temporary, but essential, stage of the improvements. It will also give us the opportunity to remove a lot of the dense and invasive rhododendron ponticum.”

Longer term, footpaths will be upgraded and the drainage improved to offer better access for all woodland users.

Councillor Judy Hamilton added: “The council wants to ensure that people have access to good quality, attractive green spaces as it’s an important factor in benefiting health and wellbeing, as well as contributing towards improving Fife’s biodiversity.”

Work will begin in December and continue over the next three years. Fife Council owns around 70 different woodlands and it is hoped this model can be replicated elsewhere.