The region’s heritage of coal-mining remains part of the collective identity of towns and villages of rural East Ayrshire.
Dunstonhill, which sits between Patna and Drongan is a former opencast site that is now owned by the Forestry and Land Scotland. It is now a popular route for dog walkers, and has offered an alternative to the busier parks and forest trails during lockdown.
The East Ayrshire Coalfield Environmental Inaitive was set up to improve and restore the habitats around the old coalfields, and over the course of several months have planted over six hectares of wild seed native to Scotland to see how it will take to the habitat.
Project manager Laura Curtis-Moss is tasked with working with people from the local towns and villages to get involved in the ‘rewilding’ of the old coal mines. She told the Chronicle: “We don’t own any land but we work with landowners to make the environment better for nature, biodiversity and the local community.
“We’re hoping it might provide habitat for pollinators such as bees, moths, hover flies and butterflies - one of the species we’re interested in is the dingy skipper.”
Communities in the area pride themselves with their heritage associated with the working land. Now long abandoned, turning the spaces the project will look to find ways to grow habitat that can survive on previously industrial land.
Laura continued: “We are part of a bigger project called Coalfield communities that is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing volunteers, schools who are growing plug plants for us and support from partner organisations.
“We also work on peatland restoration projects - most recently finishing a large project at Glaisnock Moss and are always keen to talk to landowners who are keen to improve habitats on the sites they manage.”
The project is due to run for several years in the hope that the habitat continues to develop, enhancing the environment for the wildlife settling in the fields, whilst improving the quality of life for local people through further engagement with and access to nature. To learn more about the project, click here.
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