Forestry and Land Scotland is inviting people living in and around Heathhall to come along to a drop-in event next week (Tuesday 18 April) to give their views on how the local woodland is to be managed over the next decade.

The event will be held at Lochthorn Library (Edinburgh Road, Dumfries) from 2pm to 6pm, and local residents are welcome to come along to meet FLS staff, find out about plans for the area and give feedback.

Situated on the north-east outskirts of Dumfries, the 1.5 square km area covered by the Heathhall Land Management Plan currently has a mix of planted conifer woodland and native broadleaves and also includes part of Lochar Moss.

FLS Forest Planner, Robin Fuller, said;

“It is quite a complex site with lots of different elements that need to be taken into consideration.

“It’s a popular recreational area and includes a mountain bike taster loop as well as some heritage features, and there are also areas that offer great habitat for wildlife.

“But there are also areas of forest that are prone to storm damage and we also need to consider what options might be available for possible restoration of some areas of the Lochar Moss.

“We know that this is a really popular area for local residents so we’d really like to gather their views on future management options.”

Anyone who is unable to attend the drop-in event can also comment on the Heathhall Land Management Plan online.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.