Falkirk Council has launched a public consultation on the draft Kinneil Estate Masterplan 2026–2036, setting out a ten-year vision for one of the area's most-valued green spaces. This consultation invites residents, community groups, and visitors to contribute their views, ensuring the estate's heritage, woodlands, and parkland continue to serve local needs.

The previous plan (2015-2025), guided by the Kinneil Estate Advisory Group, delivered several improvements, including enhanced woodland health and accessibility through thinning and path upgrades, new entrance and wayfinding signage, and increased community participation through regular volunteer days and events.

Following surveys and stakeholder engagement conducted between August 2024 and May 2025, the new draft masterplan proposes actions grouped under four key themes:

• Growth: Focusing on increasing visitor numbers through targeted promotion and improved access, and exploring enhanced visitor facilities and activities.

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• Sustainable Management: Developing an updated Urban Woodland Management Plan, enhancing biodiversity, and exploring alternative uses for vacant buildings.

• Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with existing groups like Friends of Kinneil and local schools, expanding volunteer programmes, and establishing new links with community organisations.

• Heritage Protection and Interpretation: Safeguarding the estate's heritage and enhancing on-site interpretation through signage and digital media.

These themes underpin six specific aims: attracting a broader visitor base, conserving heritage assets, increasing community involvement, identifying revenue-generating opportunities, managing natural resources, and providing educational activities.

As part of this comprehensive work, the Council is also consulting on a draft Urban Woodland Management Plan for Kinneil Estate, which is being developed by Green Action Trust. This survey specifically seeks feedback on how local woodlands are used, valued, and maintained, and will inform future management priorities.

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council's Depute Provost, urged public participation: "Kinneil Estate serves Bo'ness and visitors from across Scotland. The Kinneil Estate masterplan will guide important decisions on how we manage and develop the park over the next decade. We want to hear what matters most to you. Your input will help us set priorities, secure funding and work in partnership to deliver the improvements our community needs. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and let us know your views."

The online consultation survey is available until Thursday, 31 July 2025. Paper copies of the survey and the draft masterplan will also be available at Kinneil Museum and Bo'ness library.