SUSTAINABLE timber production and woodland diversification in an Ayrshire forest are to be reviewed in a revised land management plan. 

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) chiefs are seeking views from people living in and around Patna Hill, which covers an area the size of nearly 700 football pitches, as they draw up proposals on the management of the site during the next 10 years. 

A mostly conifer forest near Ayr, the plan will also focus on sensitive landscape design and woodland resilience as FLS officials bid to get the most "out of the timber it produces". 

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Planning forester, Laura Green, said: "As with all of our land management plans, we’re looking at how we manage this site over the next ten years and also outline our ideas for the ten years beyond that.

“It’s really about getting the most out of the forest both in terms of the timber it produces and in how it contributes more broadly to biodiversity and habitat provision.

"We’d be happy to explain the opportunities and issues, hear some ideas, and get some constructive feedback from members of the public.

“With COVID-19 still impacting on how we all work, we are not holding public meetings or events but we are putting everything online so that people can look at it and give feedback at their leisure." 

Contact Laura at laura.green@forestryandland.gov.scot to learn more and offer your views.

The consultation will remain open until Thursday, February 24.