Muirkirk
A forest for the future
Every forest starts life as a patch of open ground. We started planting here in 2015, working with the local community to develop a woodland on what was once an opencast mine and create a peaceful, sheltered place to walk the dog or have a picnic. It is good for wildlife too: a wide range of wildflowers, insects and birds are now often visible. The newly planted trees will also store carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
There’s a network of paths and tracks across the site, with a mix of earth and tarmac surfaces and some long steep slopes.
Life’s essentials
There are shops and places to eat in Muirkirk.
How to get here
From Muirkirk, follow the A70 westwards towards Cumnock. The forest is on the right and left just as you leave, at grid reference NS 684 265. Parking is available in a layby just before the site - look out for the totem pole.
Using SatNav?
KA18 3QF is the nearest postcode, on the edge of Muirkirk village.
Public transport
Buses between Cumnock and Muirkirk pass the forest. Check Traveline Scotland for details.
Nearby places
Another new woodland is taking shape at Brocketsbrae, close to Lesmahagow, where a new orchard has been planted. From Whitelee there are superb views over Glasgow, and access to some fine long distance routes. At Wilsontown you can walk through meadows and woodland that have grown up on old mine workings, and imagine the bustle of life in days gone by.
Share your experience
For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
