A COMMUNITY drop-in event is set to be held over plans for a ‘productive’ Borders woodland.

Swinnie Forest, which spans 170 hectares, lies around five miles to the south west of Jedburgh.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is seeking the views of the public on how the woodland should be managed over the next 10 years.

It said the focus was on providing a “dynamic and resilient habitat for environmental benefit and also informal social access” while maintaining sustainable timber production.

FLS planning forester Tom Harvey said: “The land management plan is reviewed every 10 years and provides us with a framework for the longer-term management of the forest.

“Timber production will continue to be a part of our plans which also aims to diversify the structure of the forest making it more resilient to climate change.

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“There is also consideration of the additional environmental benefits that will come from restructuring the forest and by introducing new trees with a mix of conifers and broadleaf species.

“The relevant documents are all online but we’re also holding a drop-in event in the Bedrule village hall on March 3 (5pm-8pm) where people can chat to us and find out more.

“It’d be great to get some local feedback on our plans.”

As well as being able to comment on the day, an online form is also available here.

The consultation will run until the end of March.

Final plans will be developed in the winter.