Published

An award-winning strategy - which has improved green spaces and the landscape across Falkirk district - is to be refreshed.

Falkirk Council is to start a consultation on a new strategy for the area's green network.
 
The previous "Falkirk Greenspace Initiative" was overall winner at the 2012 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, organised by the Scottish Government.
 
Members of the Council's leisure, tourism and community committee were told this week that the new plan aimed to review and update the Council's approach to greenspace development and promotion.
 
Committee convener Councillor Adrian Mahoney said: "Over the past twenty years the Falkirk Greenspace Initiative - delivered by the Council with Central Scotland Forest Trust and other partners - has delivered lots of benefits to local people.
 
"We've planted 750,000 new trees; improved or created around 150km of paths; done more than 340 community events and created projects worth an amazing £5 million.
 
"The project has led to a real transformation across the district.
 
"But we can't rest on our laurels.
 
"A new draft plan has been created to build on this success and re-focus on work in the future. A formal consultation will start fairly shortly and we'll be asking local people and partners for their views. We think the draft plan is clear and ambitious - but we're keen to hear what others think before we make any final decisions.
 
"The consultation will be widely advertised and the plan will be available to download from the Council's website."
 
The consultation will allow the public and local communities to share their views on how areas of open space and countryside can be better linked together and help to develop a "high quality green network" across the area. 
This network would help to provide:
  • a landscape framework for economic developments;
  • urban open space for play, sports and leisure activities; 
  • improved biodiversity that will see flora and fauna thrive; and
  • spaces for recreation and provision for walking and cycling in safe environments; plus
  • climate change adaptation projects.