Have Your Say On Pitmedden Forest

Forestry Commission Scotland is keen to hear views and suggestions from the local community on the future management of Pitmedden forest, near Auchtermuchty in north Fife. In January, the Commission met with mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders who regularly use Pitmedden forest to discuss the recent harvesting operations which had resulted in restricted access to parts of the forest. The positive meeting indicated that there was interest in setting up a user group for the forest, which would then have a say in the future management of the forest and express the views of all forest users. To help set up a user group and to discuss any further issues, a public meeting is being held on Wednesday 19 March at 7pm at the Masonic Lodge in Abernethy and everyone with an interest in Pitmedden forest is encouraged to attend. The meeting will include a presentation from Forestry Commission Scotland on plans for the future of the forest. Users will have the opportunity to comment on the plans and raise any additional issues. Mike Flinn, Forestry Commission Scotland said: "Pitmedden forest is well used by a mixture of walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. We know that they like the natural feel that the forest has and we are keen to work with the local community to hear their views on the future of the forest. "The public meeting will discuss the use of the forest from a wide perspective - from our harvesting work in the area to walking paths and mountain bike trails. We'd like to set up a user group which would represent everyone using the forest and could open up ways for the forest to be improved." For further information contact Mike Flinn on tel: 01350 727284. www.forestry.gov.uk