Broxburn

Broxburn

Phase 2 - Planted in 2000 and now well established

View from the Woodland

This phase of planting connects to earlier areas of woodland to the east of the site, which are all owned by West Lothian Council.

The area is c18 hectares, 9 of which have been planted with 75% native broadleaves and 25% amenity conifers to complement the existing woodland. The remaining areas have been left as scrub and open ground for biodiversity value, recreational use and to preserve a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).

As well as the surfaced access, informal path routes and rides, the woodland contains an ancient field system and settlement (the SAM) and “Mars”, a community art installation which is part of the West Lothian Solar System Art Project.

Project achievements for phase 4:

• 9 hectares of amenity woodland planted
• Carbon capture by the new trees
• Enhancement and extension of the community woodland for the benefit of local residents
• Improved biodiversity

 Broxburn Academy, which is very near to the woodland, wished to be involved in the site and participated in 3 wildflower planting sessions in 2009. It is hoped that this relationship can be maintained in future years.

 The Council has plans to improve two on-site tributaries to reduce the severity and frequency of the “Brox” burn flooding downstream.

Total cost £47,000 funded by:

CSFT’s “Woodland Creation Fund”

Forest Carbon (a carbon offsetting agency)

Scottish Rural Development Programme