March 30th, 2015

NEWS RELEASE
Forestry Commission Scotland has appointed Amy Telford as Community Ranger for the Kilpatrick Hills.
 
The appointment comes as the Commission publishes its 10-year Land Management Plan for Kilpatrick Hills, which sets out the vision of the woodland in the future following extensive analysis, community consultation and development work.
 
The partnership role will see Telford working jointly for Forestry Commission Scotland and the Woodland Trust Scotland at the Kilpatrick Hills.
 
Amy said: I˙m really excited about my new partnership role and look forward to engaging with the local community and arranging recreational events at Kilpatrick Hills.  Iâ•˙ll also be working with local schools and families to encourage and support outdoor learning and playing.  Our aim is to encourage and support more people from all abilities and backgrounds to visit Kilpatrick Hills.
 
Robert Clamp, District Forester Planning, Forestry Commission Scotland said:  Our vision is for Kilpatrick Hills to be a highly accessible area providing a wilderness experience for the public to enjoy with more recreational opportunities.  This has been incorporated into the Land Management Plan, which aims to increase the ease and access to the hills by linking up existing routes into longer loops including the John Muir Way.
 
The Land Management Plan sets out ongoing improvements for the management of the site, including tree felling and restructuring to diversify the make-up of the forest.  Different tree species are to be planted at Kilpatrick Hills, including conifers, broadleaves and a wide range of native woodland types, which will benefit the flora, fauna and wildlife across the Hills.
 
The Kilpatrick Hills is a 3,500 hectare site and offers a taste of the Highlands on Glasgowâ•˙s doorstep, just nine miles from the city centre with spectacular views over Glasgow and the River Clyde, as well as hill walking and bike-riding and the chance to spot red deer, otters and ospreys.
 
For more information on the Kilpatrick Hills Land Management Plan, please visit: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/managing/plans-and-strategies/land-management-plans/616-kilpatrick-hills
or Facebook.com/visitkilpatrickhills