Lots of work has been going on behind the scenes to preserve an area of woodland for the local community.

The Drongan, Rankiston and Stair Regeneration Group have been working tirelessly to prevent the sale of the woodland into private hands after Hargreaves Land put it up for sale in November last year.

They have applied to the Scottish Land Fund and Minerals Trust to secure funding to purchase the land to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation. They have until next month to get the funds together.

The diverse woods near Drongan are believed to have a market value of £75,000.

The woodland is a sanctuary for local people and wildlife, say the group, and it is vital that they keep it for the health and wellbeing of the community.

A spokesperson for the DRSRG said: “Our aim is to provide our community with a community woodland that will be sustainable, economic, environmental and educational.

“Owning the woodland will allow us to build capacity, offer training and educational learning, volunteer opportunities and help develop our community as a tourist attraction for bird watchers and walkers.

“We will continue after the COVID-19 pandemic to promote healthy lifestyles, while reaching out to people living in isolation.

“We will look towards sustainability in all projects we undertake, with the support of the community at all times through regular community engagements and activities.

“We will have also empowered our community and residents to achieve their goals and aspire to better things while working together.”

Recently, a sign was erected on the woodland advertising the campaign. There is a fundraiser page at https://bit.ly/30gD4m9 for those wishing to support the group with their efforts.