Bid to save historic Valleyfield wood in Fife

Fife Council has announced plans to save historic Valleyfield Wood from being removed from the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. The wood, which is a semi-natural woodland in Bluther Burn valley, Fife, is home to several rare species of wildflowers, as well as a grazing area for roe deer.

The council has announced plans to contribute £6,000 towards developing a Heritage Lottery bid to restore the wood. Bobby Clelland, chair of the project committee, said: 'There are rustic bridges, an ornamental walled garden and canal, pine pits and a rustic arch that are slowly falling into decay in these woods which were once part of the Valleyfield estate. The founds of Valleyfield House, a gardeners’ cottage and an ice house are also on the site which could be a great visitor destination and local resource if they could be restored to their former glory.

'At the moment the site is in danger of being removed from the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes which is held by Historic Scotland and that could close off vital funding sources. I’m hopeful that by kick-starting this process through an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund that we can take this significant programme of works forward.'

Read more history and heritage news from around Scotland.

Keep up to date with the latest history news, discoveries and research in every issue of History Scotland and Scottish Memories.

Sign up now for our FREE e-newsletter for more news stories, sneak previews, exclusive content and special offers.