Central Scotland Forest

Central Scotland Forest

The new Central Scotland Forest is the most ambitious environmental project in Scotland. Located in the large area (620 square miles) of Scotland between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Forest will create a mosaic of woodlands, hedgerows, paths and ponds around the towns and villages.

The Central Scotland Forest Trust (formerly Central Scotland Countryside Trust) is the organisation leading the partnership to create the Central Scotland Forest. Partners include local authorities, local enterprise companies, the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and the private sector. All these bodies, along with many others, such as farmers, businesses and local people, are now working together with one common aim: to double the woodland cover by 2015. Any contribution you can make towards this goal is greatly appreciated. Topps Wood lies to the south of the B818 just before you cross River Carron.

The site is also being developed as a new native woodland in an area which has lost virtually all its native trees. It slopes down the North Calder Heritage Trail, a 16 kilometre route between Hillend Reservoir on the Central Scotland plateau and Summerlee Heritage Park in Coatbridge. This trail offers an interesting insight to the area’s industrial past as it continues down towards the old ironworks of Calderbank. Other paths at Wester Moffat link to this trail and to the Airdrie to Bathgate cycle way. As the site has developed in CSFT’s ownership, the biodiversity has increased. Recently, otters have been spotted along the banks of the North Calder.

Hillhouseridge, Shottskirk Road, Shotts, Lanarkshire, ML7 4JS

Tel: 01501 822015 Fax: 01501 823919