Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) is seeking views from stakeholders and members of the public on the future management of the seven key forests that make up the Tweed Valley Forest Park.
The feedback will help form the new Land Management Plan for the Park which lays the foundations on how the forests and woodlands will be managed for the next 10 years.
A series of public consultation events across the Tweed Valley Park will take place, starting on Saturday 12th August at the Peebles Show.
FES is particularly keen to hear from community groups, mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders or anyone else who uses the forests for recreation and enjoyment.
The Forest Park provides an important backdrop to communities along the Tweed, offering world class mountain bike trails, trails for walking, horse riding and cycling. It is famous for its stunning views, important wildlife habitats and many historic sites.
John Ogilvie, Forest Enterprise Scotland’s planning forester for the Scottish Borders said:
“The Land Management Plan is an important document which is the blueprint for how the Tweed Valley’s forests are to be managed for the benefit of people, businesses, and the environment.
“In creating the plan we would welcome as much feedback as possible on what users and stakeholders would like to see happen and how we can maximise this precious natural resource.
“We’d like to know what people feel is special about the Tweed Valley Forest Park, where they might visit and how they use it. And most importantly, we would like to know if groups want to get more involved and help us develop the forests for the future.”
The Tweed Valley Forest Park is made up of seven forests, each with their own unique character, strung along the River Tweed between Peebles and Selkirk. The forests include:
- Cademuir
- Glentress
- Cardrona
- Caberston
- Elibank & Traquair
- Thornielee
- Yair
The series of consultation events are as follows:
- Peebles Show on Saturday 12th August – all day.
Followed by a series of local public drop-in sessions, each running from 3pm to 7pm:
- Wednesday 16th August – Cardrona Village Hall
- Tuesday 29th August – Innerleithen Memorial Hall
- Thursday 31st August – Peebles Burgh Hall
- Tuesday 5th September – Walkerburn Public Hall
- Monday 11th September – Caddonfoot Hall
These drop-ins are the start of the process and the consultation will continue as the Land Management Plan develops.
For more information please contact John Ogilvie, Email: john.ogilvie@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: 0300 067 6756 or check the Land Management Plan here.
