Live project
A multi-phase project to ensure Kinneil Woods becomes a resilient, biodiverse, and inclusive place where nature and people can thrive.
Project overview
Green Action Trust has been working with Falkirk Council since 2025 to implement a long-term woodland management programme at Kinneil Woods, near Bo’ness. This initiative aims to address the over-mature, primarily non-native woodland. These trees are now increasingly vulnerable to wind and storm damage, posing potential risks to visitors and nearby infrastructure. While this will involve significant, temporary landscape changes, these efforts are crucial for creating a safer, more climate-resilient forest for future generations.
Alongside controlled tree felling and woodland restoration, this project will deliver upgraded walking paths, new seating areas and improved signage to allow more people to enjoy this historical greenspace.
To minimise disruption and reflect the feedback gathered during community consultations, works will be executed in two phases over ten years. The first phase will begin in winter 2026/27. Given the location of the site, deer-protection methods (fencing and plastic tree tubes) will be used on newly planted trees. Maintaining public access has been a prioity in designing the fenced areas.
This project will be funded through a combination of Scottish Forestry’s ‘Woods in and Around Towns’ (WIAT) Grant Scheme, along with revenue generated from selling timber and contributions from nearby housing development. Falkirk Council has pledged financial support from their Pride and Place funding and Core Parks budgets.
Aims & objectives
Transition to mixed and native woodland to promote thriving ecosystems and enhanced habitats.
Phased restructuring and replanting programme to create a biodiverse and climate resilient future forest.
Providing safer, more accessible routes with improved wayfinding, signage and seating.
The long-term vision for the woodlands has moved away from productive conifer trees to focus on a creating a welcoming, healthy, more biodiverse woodland. This approach, coupled with the need to address the risks posed by storm damage, has prompted the need for a longer-term woodland management plan.
Photos show the previous felling carried out in 2014/2015 where conifer trees were felled and the areas re-planted with broadleaved species. This woodland has grown impressively well, and there are now plans to thin out the trees, remove fencing and widen pathways to enable easier access.
Kinneil Woods forms part of the historic Kinneil Estate, dating back to the 16th century, and is one of Bo’ness’s most valued greenspaces. With the John Muir Way and National Cycle Network passing through the site, it is a popular destination for recreation, active travel and connecting with nature.
The woodland has a long history of timber production, with harvesting recorded since at least the 18th century. Successive periods of felling and replanting, including works associated with the designed landscape in the 1700s up to major fellings before and after WW2 (after the Estate’s acquisition by Bo’ness Town Council in 1922) have shaped today’s woodland.
More recent management has focused on thinning, native tree planting and improving woodland resilience through removal of the ageing non-native plantation.
The conifer trees within the central part of Kinneil Estate will be felled and stacked on site before being removed.
At times, the car park and paths will need to be closed to ensure public safety. On site signage will be used to show alternative path routes.
A mix of tree species will be planted, with a focus on native broadleaved species and those that will suit the site into the future. These trees will be looked after for 5 years to makes sure they grow well and begin establishing a more natural woodland.
Some trees will be in plastic tree tubes but most will be behind large areas of fencing. This is to allow the trees to grow, otherwise they will be grazed by deer. Gates will be incorporated to allow walkers and cyclists to keep using existing path routes.
Once the woodland work is complete, path works will be able to start.
There will be a mix of path surfaces and sizes to reflect the different areas of the woodland and how people use them. Steps will be installed or upgraded in the south. New benches and signage will also be added.
Some areas of the woodland and the car park will need to be closed temporarily while felling operations are underway to ensure public safety. Residents and visitors will be advised of any restrictions through on-site signage and project updates on this page. For your safety, please stick to the routes outlined by our trusted contractors, and stay away from machinery and timber piles.
This project will be funded through a combination of Scottish Forestry’s ‘Woods in and Around Towns’ (WIAT) Grant Scheme, along with revenue generated from selling timber and contributions from nearby housing development. Other funding streams are being developed. Falkirk Council has also pledged financial support from their Pride and Place funding and Core Parks budgets.
Ecological surveys have been undertaken to identify protected species and sensitive habitats on the site, with advice from NatureScot and other external agencies. All works will be carefully planned and delivered in accordance with environmental best practice, helping to minimise disturbance to local wildlife and support long-term biodiversity gains. While there will be a big change to the site for wildlife as well as people during the changes, once the trees are re-growing – the more natural habitat they create will be a much better resource for nature.
In areas with high deer populations, they can overgraze and severely damage young trees. This leads to the deformation of saplings and prevents the natural regeneration of the forest. Roe deer are present at Kinneil and without protection would damage newly planted trees by grazing them. The creation of fences will reduce the need for plastic tree tubes across the whole site. Tree tubes can cause pollution and affect the form of tree growth. They will eventually need to be removed and cannot always be recycled. Maintaining access for people is a key consideration, so gates will be installed on existing path routes into the gated areas to enable walking and cycling through the woods. There will be tree tubes in areas where fencing isn’t suitable, such as around the ha-ha and the burns.
The project team is working closely with Historic Environment Scotland and other stakeholders, including the local volunteer-led charity Friends of Kinneil, throughout the project planning process. Important heritage features, including the UNESCO-designated Antonine Wall and historic landscape elements within the estate, will be protected during construction works. Ongoing plans with Falkirk Council include enhancing the heritage of the site with interpretation boards and a ‘placemaking feature’ at the centre of the site.
You can email the Green Action Trust and one of the Kinneil project team will get back to you.
