A QUARTER million trees are to be planted near the Ochils in a bid to stem the tide of climate change.

The Future Forest Company has acquired the Dumyat Estate and is planning to plant some 250,000 native trees, restoring degraded habitats.

The company, which already manages other sites such as Brisbane Mains in Largs, will use reforestation, habitat restoration and regenerative agriculture practises to deliver a positive impact for the environment.

Jamie Adcock, estate manager at the Future Forest Company, said: “We’ve spent the last six months gathering all the information we need to make educated decisions about how we manage the land including surveys of archaeology, breeding birds, and vegetation amongst many others.

“It’s now important we take into account the public opinion on our plans in order to make decisions that will positively impact the local community and wider users of the site.”

The site will provide jobs and volunteering opportunities while also serving as an education and research resource at all stages from primary school to academia.

Set against the backdrop of the Wallace Monument, it is also hoped that the project will improve the landscape and the environment by increasing species diversity through habitat creation.

To hear from residents in the area, the Future Forest Company will be hosting a community consultation drop-in session at the University of Stirling's Innovation Park, within the Dumyat room of Scion House.

The session will take place on Monday, March 21, from 2pm to 7pm.

The in-person event will be open for all to attend, allowing residents and those who currently use Dumyat for recreation to meet with the team and hear more about the plans.

An online survey is also to be made available.

Jade Rein, co-founder of the Future Forest Company, added: “Dumyat is a fantastic site for our next reforestation project and we look forward to returning the site to woodland by planting native trees, reducing the impact of carbon emissions.

“We know how much Dumyat means for local communities in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and the surrounding area, so look forward to working closely with residents and organisations to protect the planet for future generations, whilst ensuring access to Dumyat continues.”