We are lucky to have some great greenspaces right on our doorstep: Park of Kier, Haws Park, Mine Wood, Mid Wood and the Kippenrait Glen to name some. We all have a right to enjoy these spaces responsibly, bikers, walkers, runners, chatting or playing young and old. This should be in way that respects the natural environment and other people as set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Unfortunately this is not always followed and we are often informed by concerned residents to see if the Community Council can help resolve issues.
Den building can be a fun activity to do in the woods, but you should never cut down living trees or damage trees in the process. We were disappointed to see that a number of saplings had been cut and bark damaged. If you bring any unnatural material such as rope or a tarp you should take this away with you.
A number or residents alerted us to this, and some kind people removed the rubbish and put out a smoldering fire. Thanks to those who pick up after others. There really is no excuse for leaving the woods in such a state.
tree damage
cut saplings
Mountain bikers from all around come to enjoy the natural trails in the Mine Wood and surrounding areas. All the paths in Mine wood are shared paths for the use of bikers, runners, walkers, locals and visitors. We should all be aware of others using the space and be ready to give way and let others know we are coming, making eye contact, ringing a bell or calling out “on your left/right” . The majority of people using the path are courteous and responsible however there are some pinch points and sections of path that would benefit from some more active management to follow a safer design.
Recently some bike jumps have been constructed without permission of Stirling Council the land owner. Stirling Council Access and Greenspace officers will be reviewing the trails and working to encourage to responsible use. Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland have offered to meet on the site and work together. Their work ensures that the right trails are in the right place and managed by the right people.
Make sure when biking here that you Do the Ride thing – Prepare – Share – Care.
A dozen mattresses were fly tipped on the Glen Road. Fly tipping is illegal and blights the countryside. The council Community Safety team investigated the incident and believes they will be able to identify the culprits. The removal of fly tipped material is the responsibility of the land owner, however in this case the volunteers at Friends of Bridge of Allan loaded up the mattresses onto a trailer and removed them to the tip.
Stirling council has recently re-established its Greenspace Ranger service. We will work with them on encouraging our community to use the spaces responsibly, improving access where steps, styles or rails have degraded, planning for improving biodiversity.
Thanks to everyone who got in touch on this issue and your offers of support. Do you or your group have good or bad experiences of using our greenspaces? What would you like to see changed to make things better for all users?
I object to the use of the name “Mid Wood” for Lower Westerton Wood. At the time the erroneous notices went up I queried the use of that name and the council official said “Oh that is what we call it in the office”. I replied that they could call it what they liked in the office but on notice boards it should be given its correct name. A number of locals agree with me. I am disappointed that the Community Council is using that name.
Hi Isabel, thanks for letting us know about what the wood should realy be called. I used what I see on the signs when I walk there, I’m sure some of our members who have lived here longer would have known that. I will add sinage and interpretation boards to our items to be discussed. Anna
This is a good post and it would be good if it reaches a wide audience.
Stirling Council have been asking for comments on proposed Local Nature Conservation sites and it has been noted Mine Woods etc is not included yet. Given how much these woods mean to locals and how much they are used it would be good if pressure was put for these Woods to be included.
We do need help on the multi activity use of the Woods. The area from the Quarry to the Core Path in the west is the area most used by walkers and was indeed meant to be part of a circular Core Path finishing at the Quarry.
Unfortunately this is now the area used for high speed mountain biking by those coming off Dumyat especially at twilight. Some help in accommodating both would be good as it can be frightening. An especial bottle neck is where a number of paths meet at the 7th green of the Golf Course. All the walking paths come together here. Anyone out of area moving at speed does not recognise the hazards here.
It is great to see so many out and about whilst needs encouraged and most folk are great. Witness the walkers, bikers and nature lovers who all help with cleaning up. However these Woods were left to us and we do need help with their use and care.
Personally I object to the use of manufactured materials like treated wood, tarpaulin, metal etc.
But I see no issues with bicycle trails made naturally as long as they stay of the main path
Whomever left all the traps in mine woods today designed to injure or kill mountain bikers – this is a crime. You also left lager cans lying around. Perhaps the community council should think twice before posting such sensationalist articles and maybe reaching out to sort out the problem..
Sorting out the use of the woods is one thing, but to incite people to threaten to kill me and my riding friends tonight is certainly an escalation.
Hi Callum, we have been in touch on facebook but wanted to post a public reply here on our page. I am truly sorry that someone has seen what we have written and thought dangerous and illegal acts were the way forward. Our intention was only to reflect views expressed to us, inform about what is going on and encourage people to participate in dialog to work with us, the council and elected members to create a safe environment for all to enjoy. I have edited the piece to emphasis more the need to share with care, which is what the majority of people already do.