Woodlands in and around Towns

The Scottish Forestry Strategy sets priorities for action to provide woodland recreation opportunities near towns and to contribute to the radical improvement in the quality and setting of urban areas. This aim is also set out in the Forest and Woodlands Stategy for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.

Aberdeenshire Council is currently working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Forestry Commission Scotland to fulfil these aims, identifying opportunities for new and improved woodland areas around settlements.

Work is currently progressing in a number of locations:

Ellon

In Ellon a draft management plan for McDonald Park has been produced and an application including detailed costings has been submitted to the Forestry Commission Scotland. This scheme includes plenty of opportunity for local people to get their hands dirty with practical projects.

Peterhead

In Peterhead public consultation has shown support for a woodlands project at Dales Park and an application for funding has been made to the Forestry Commission Scotland to produce a fully costed management plan in consultation with the local community.

Huntly

In Huntly preliminary discussions are ongoing to look at opportunities for improving the council owned woodlands at Battlehill.