Coalfield Communities success celebrated as 22nd project nears completion
East Ayrshire’s Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership (CCLP), a £6.5million National Lottery Heritage Heritage Fund (NHLH) project, which started work in 2016, is drawing to a close.
First agreed in December 2016 as part of the Minerals Local Development Plan in the aftermath of the abandonment of local opencast mining sites, the Partnership has been up and running since 2020, with a vision that:
“Coalfield Communities share the benefits of a renewed landscape, welcoming visitors from afar to celebrate their unique heritage and promote stewardship of the land, shaped by understanding of the past and needs of the future”
The project was initially due to complete in August 2025, but with delays to some projects due to covid restrictions and other factors, Cabinet sought permission from NHLF to extend the expiry of grant funding until 31 May 2026 to allow the completion of the final project. This has now been agreed.
With 21 of the initial 22 projects funded by the scheme now complete, one project remains unfinished. Construction of the new Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group’s (ARPG) railway shed at Doon Valley Railway is about to start. It is due for completion in April 2026. Extension of the funding deadline will now allow this worthwhile project to go ahead.
The achievements of the projects include improvements to landscape, wildlife habitat, walking and cycling connectivity and access to countryside. Local interest groups have also been set up and modern apprenticeships have been created leading to local people gaining skills and permanent jobs.
Commenting on the success of the CCLP Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council said: “The CCLP, in all its aspects, has had an overwhelmingly positive effect upon the local areas, breathing new life into places blighted by the collapse and abandonment of the coal industry and helping in some measure to mitigate the huge damage done to landscape and communities.
“The projects, which were created byand for the people united communities, fostered friendships and re-empowered everyone to be able to celebrate and re-take ownership of this remarkable area. By looking at history, regenerating buildings and peatlands they’ve improved quality of life, wildlife habitat and job opportunities, boosting local pride, Community Wealth and confidence along the way.
“As with all such projects nothing ever runs smoothly, but close partnership working between project officers, community groups and National Heritage Lottery Fund enabled us to achieve so much within the time. And it’s good to see this agreement to get the final, major project with Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group on track and full steam ahead to build their shed. This building will revitalise their centre, boost tourism and keep this important aspect of the area's heritage alive for generations to come.
“We can talk figures, and they are impressive, but so much of what this initiative has provided is immeasurable, these projects involved hundreds of people, giving their time, energy and enthusiasm and making lasting connections with their heritage and each other.
“It’s helped restore more than buildings and places, it’s helped us all rediscover and explore our own heritage, our identities, create opportunities and build on our strengths as an area.
“The legacy of these projects will continue long beyond the completion of these funded CCLP projects.”
Nature recovery:
- 163 ha of landscape improvements including 98ha of peatland restored
- 34ha of wildflower grassland restored
- 22ha of woodland creation
- 9ha of community garden created
- 4,150 dams installed improving peatland management and reducing flood risk
- 20,150 locally grown trees sourced and planted
- 2.5km of hedgerow habitat created
Connecting people with the natural and cultural heritage:
- 16,444 adults and children participating and engaged through 221 scheme activities and events
- 943 volunteers contributing
- 3,325 volunteer days, equivalent to an additional contribution of £498,750
- 857 participants attending
- 287 training workshops and demonstration events
- 517 awards and certificates of achievement
- 241 community, local interest groups and partners engaged
- 107 different pieces of interpretation and media produced to promote awareness and understanding of the area
- 21 kilometres of access improved
- 1 All Inclusive Cycle Track providing opportunities for all abilities
Resilience and employment:
- 15 modern apprentices gaining land management skills and experience in land management
Read the Cabinet Report