An ambitious scheme to breathe new life into more than 70 acres of green space and woodland surrounding the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital at Larbert has been agreed by NHS Forth Valley and Forestry Commission Scotland.
The project, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, will see new woodland planting, existing paths ungraded, cycle tracks,, the woodland brought back in to management, the protection of wildlife including brown long-eared bats and common toads, and the provision of a community ranger.
NHS Forth Valley Director of Strategic Projects and Property Tom Steele said: "It's a fabulous public sector collaborationwhich will offer a high amenity woodland park. It is linked very much with the aspiration of NHS Forth Valley to improve health and well being and safeguards the management of the site in perpetuity. In addition it will ensure a great opportunity for patients and staff to enjoy easy access to the open countryside as well as providing an alternative way of reaching the site without using a car. Cycle tracks and somewhere to walk the dog will add to the attractions."
The Larbert House estate dates from the late l8th and early 19th centuries and has been in public ownership since the 1920's when it was acquired and developed for a national mental health hospital. This hospital closed in 2002. Many of the original trees, such as oak, beech, lime, chestnut,sycamore and Scots pine, have either beencommercially felledor are over mature, and the deteriorating condition of the woodlands confirms the need for early intervention. In addition rhododendron is a big threat, particularly around a lochan with a large population of common toads. Careful removal will create wet woodland for cover and damp meadow for foraging.
Brent Meakin, Forestry Commission Scotland's manager for the Scottish Lowlands added:
"We already recognise the woodland is valued by local people for recreation, wildlife and its heritage and we are keen work with local communities on this project.
"There is plenty of evidence to show that spending time in green spaces is good for our health. Woodland areas offer calming environments and encourage people to get more active and this can have added benefits to patient recovery times.They are also great places for getting youngsters involved in education projects.
"The Commission recognises the contribution accessible well managed woodlands can make to a better quality of life for local people. This new partnership with NHS Forth Valley will help develop a fantastic woodland oasis for all those using the site. "
NHS Forth Valley will contribute £250,000 towards the project in the first three years, with additional resources hoping to come from the Commission's Woods In and Around Towns challenge fund.Forestry Commission Scotland will manage the woodlands under a management agreement supported by its partner Central Scotland Forest Trust.
The scheme has the backing of Falkirk Council who have also approved plans which would allow a private developer to build a small amount of housing in the walled garden area of Larbert House. The historic house was destroyed by fire several years ago and NHS Forth Valley sees the development as a key part of a masterplan, which includes restoring the mansion to its former glory