Development and Property Services

Planning, Development and Building Standards Division

The Coalfield Environment Initiative

A high quality of environment is a key driver of economic growth, community pride and sustainable development. The Coalfield Environment Initiative aims to deliver this high quality environment for the people of the East Ayrshire Coalfield who have been most affected by past and present mining development.

The Coalfield Environment Initiative was launched in October 2002 to guide the restoration of opencast mining sites towards positive uses that the community can benefit from, to bring about the changes needed to regenerate the rural environment, to return a feeling of pride in that environment to the people of East Ayrshire, and to work towards a sustainable future for East Ayrshire.

The Initiative comprises a steering group made up of East Ayrshire Council, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (Scotland); Scottish Coal; Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. A project officer has been funded by Scottish Coal for an initial two years to co-ordinate the project. The Initiative will also work in partnership with a wide range of interests including nature conservation bodies, landowners, farmers, foresters, industry, businesses and local communities to develop a variety of projects.

A key project for the Initiative is the restoration and subsequent management of an opencast coal mining site at the House of Water, near New Cumnock to wet grassland for the benefit of breeding wading birds such as lapwing, snipe, curlew, redshank and oystercatcher. It is hoped that after restoration, public access will be also be provided.

Other projects are currently being designed that will enhance the natural environment, publicise the coalfield's wildlife heritage, and increase understanding of this heritage.

For further details please contact

Paul Sutherland
Coalfield Environment Officer
Garan House
28 Main Street
Muirkirk
Ayrshire
KA18 3RA

Mobile: 07766 185987
Email: paul.sutherland@ea-cei.org.uk
Website: www.ea-cei.org.uk