A PLOT of land three times the size of Murrayfield could soon be a community wood for everyone to enjoy.

Action Old Kilpatrick (AOK) is working with the Forestry Commission to identify potential options for the 3.5 hectare plot of land next to the A82, part of the Kilpatrick Braes.

Tentatively dubbed Antonine Community Woodland, ideas range from allotments to outdoor learning for school pupils to a community orchard and campaigners are hosting an event on May 6 to get as many residents involved in possible in pitching proposals.

AOK’s Isobel Plunkett told the Reporter: “This is a potential gift to the village that can be used.

“Because AOK has been going from strength to strength with flower beds and green space, we liaised with the Forestry Commission and we want to see if people want this as community woodland.

“Allotments are a big issue but some people might not want a full allotment so we could have raised beds. Maybe we could do something with the Roman fort there.

“Given it’s near Bowling harbour, it would be a good tourist centre as well.

“The school is keen to have children involved in the natural world and they already help with litter picks.

“This is a chance for the community to influence the future. We want to make sure what we are doing is in line with what the public want.”

Forest Enterprise Scotland, part of the Forestry Commission, is the government agency that’s responsible for managing Scotland’s national forest estate and will still own the land, a field behind Gavinburn Primary that currently has horses grazing.

But they want to find a use that benefits the whole community and all ages.

A spokesman said: “When we originally acquired the Kilpatrick Braes there was a clear intention within the design plan for a future development to be taken forward with the community. 

“We’re very keen that the local community continue to benefit from our work at Kilpatrick and key to this is working together.

“We’ve been working with Action Old Kilpatrick to start putting in place plans for a community woodland and the event on the May 6 is being held jointly so that we can collectively take forward this idea.”

Old Kilpatrick resident and Councillor Kath Ryall added: “The field has been donated to AOK by the Forestry Commission and is a great opportunity for the community to get involved in deciding what to do with it. 

“It could be used for allotments, or a community orchard, or used by the school for outdoor learning, or something could be done with it to enhance awareness of the Antonine Wall.

“Nothing has been decided yet and the consultation on May 6 is a chance for people to see the field and tell us their ideas for it. I would really encourage people to come along – we are very lucky to have the field and AOK wants to use it for everyone’s benefit.”

The consultation on Antonine Community Woodland takes place on May 6 from 11am to 3pm at the field behind Gavinburn Primary. The event will include willow weaving, storytelling, fire and hot drinks.