Parkhead Planting

Parkhead Planting

Parkhead

Planted Site

This site, owned by West Lothian Council, was split between an existing woodland (longstanding plantation woodland and ancient semi-natural woodland), areas of open ground (former agricultural grazing), a football pitch/recreational area and a series of surfaced and unsurfaced paths running through it (including a key route linking Polbeth and West Calder).

The open ground was largely improved grassland, with little of habitat or biodiversity interest, so new tree planting was proposed. These areas of native broadleaves have created new woodland habitats that support a greater biodiversity.

Project achievements:

• 7.8 hectares of woodland planted
• A more diverse and varied range of habitats
• Increased biodiversity
• New connections created with other habitats in the wider landscape

A 5 year maintenance programme will ensure the woodlands become adequately established.

The woodland planting forms part of a wider series of works within the Parkhead/Polbeth Woodland area. The project will help to meet the government’s demand for woodland creation, as well as local priorities for connecting woodland habitats and useable areas of greenspace.

Total cost £58,000 funded by:

CSFT

Forest Carbon (a carbon offsetting agency)

Scottish Rural Development Programme

West Lothian Council