Enjoy summer parklife

Call to visit country parks

West Lothian people are being encouraged to enjoy the beauty on the doorstep by visiting one of the county’s country parks.

The area’s three country parks play their part in enhancing the quality of life for local people as well as encouraging visitors to the area. Beecraigs Country Park is a yearround commitment for the team, who carry out the maintenance and improvements, run the animal attractions and encourage visitors to use the park.

Executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn commented: “At 913 acres, Beecraigs Country Park is by far the biggest of West Lothian’s three country parks, followed by Almondell and Calderwood Country Park at 220 acres and Polkemmet Country Park at 168 acres.

Beecraigs Country Park is a valued asset in West Lothian, providing excellent outdoor space for local people of all ages as well as being a fantastic tourist attraction.

Every year around 500,000 people visit Beecraigs Count r y Park, to walk, cycle, have a barbecue, use the playpark, visit the animals or join the park rangers on an event or activity. The park’s main asset is its woodland. The park’s forest management plan is audited to ensure that Beecraigs is being managed sustainably under the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme.

A major piece of restoration work in recent times has been t h e re p l a n t i n g o f approximately 40,000 young trees to replace those damaged by storms.

The forest is gradually being res t r uctured ( selective felled and replanted) under the 20- year long-term forest plan which was agreed with Forestry Commission Scotland.”

West Lothian Council’s Parks and Woodland man a g e r, Ei r we n Hopwood, added: “As forestry work progresses around the park, forest rides which have become blocked with trees are being cleared to reinstate some of the more informal routes.

“Although forestry work by its nature creates a mess, each time forestry work is carried out the tracks and paths have been reinstated so they are again suitable for the public.

“We are delighted that recently students from SRUC Oatridge College have been able to get involved in various of these projects such as hedgerow restoration, laying and replanting of new hedges on the animal attraction.”

For details about Beecraigs Country Park, visit ww.westlothian.gov. uk/beecraigs.

Beecraigs Country Park is a valued asset