FAMILIES and councillors enjoyed a ‘wee walk in the woods with Big Jim (Leishman)’ last week – celebrating Dunfermline Public Park’s Scotland’s Finest Woodland Award.

The School Wood walk, organised by Central Dunfermline Community Council, was to thank Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, the ranger service, local schools, Scouts and supporters involved in the project.

Jim Stewart, chair of the community council, said, “We had a fantastic afternoon with Jim taking a walk around what has been achieved in the wood. The park had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect. We commissioned a report, and from this have been working on a number of projects that should all come together in the coming year.

“At the same time, the countryside trust sought to do the same with the nature trail area, and received funding from Fife Environment Trust to improve this woodland area. The two came together and we added in some extra things to the project like the wood sculptures.

“This summer the school wood received a commendation from Scotland’s finest woodland award in the community woodland category, and in the last few weeks another from Beautiful Fife for environmental responsibility.

“We held the walk to recognise that and as a thank you to everyone who has been involved, or has visited, the school wood.” On Monday Dunfermline MSP Cara Hilton lodged a Parliamentary motion to congratulate Dunfermline Public Park on winning the award and highlighted the ‘wee walk in the woods’ event. She said, “It’s fantastic that Dunfermline Public Park won this award and has been recognised in this way. I lodged a parliamentary motion to also recognise this fantastic achievement and congratulate all those people and organisations that have been so committed to making this woodland an invaluable resource for environmental education and brilliant recreational space. I hope the ‘wee walk in the woods’ with Jim was successful in showcasing the school wood’s achievements over the last year, including making it a great place for school activities, a great wildlife hub and a fantastic space for walking, running and enjoying the outdoors.”