Formonthills
Glenrothes
Woodland Trust wood group
- Formonthills
- Formonthills Farmstead
Size:
118.29 ha (292.29 acres)
Grid reference:
NO259036
Map reference:
Explorer 370
OS Landranger 59
Despite being a young woodland, Formonthills already has much to offer. Eighty thousand trees have been planted with the help of the local community, including oak, cherry, ash, birch and Scots pine. Visit the woods to experience meadows filled with wild flowers, wetland areas, spectacular views and a range of wildlife.
Features
- Parking at site
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Spring flowers
- Waymarked walk
- Grassland
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Formonthills
Situated on the lower slopes of the Lomond Hills, Formonthills sits in a commanding position overlooking the north-western edge of Glenrothes in Fife.
On entering Glenrothes from Leslie on the A911, take the first exit at the Leslie roundabout onto Western Avenue (B969). At the next roundabout (Pitcoudie), the wood is signposted. Take the first exit onto Formonthills Road. Go straight over the other roundabouts and onto Benvane Road. The car park is at the end of this road.
The nearest train station is Markinch, around 5km (3 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is Cromdale Brae.
Visit Traveline Scotland for more information.
Facilities and access
The 4.8km (3 miles) of boundary which backs directly onto residential streets has more than 20 entrances.
There are over 9.6km (6 miles) of paths forming a strategic network which links the communities adjoining the woodland as well as providing a network of routes through new and existing woodland.
These routes are suited to a variety of users and are on mostly level ground or shallow slopes, without steps. Some routes are surfaced whereas others are unsurfaced and may be muddy in places.
Some paths are part of the Core Path Network. Interpretation and orientation on site is via information boards at two car parks, and sculptures situated at main path junctions.
A variety of circular routes of different lengths are possible, with excellent long-distance views obtained from many parts of the site. The path network links into external paths through Coul Den Local Nature Reserve and into the Lomond Hills Regional Park. A map is available below.
The main car park is reached at the end of Benvane Road. Parking is also available at the Fife Council car parks at the Pitcairn Centre (Moidart Drive) and Coul Den Nature Reserve (Calder Court).
There are public toilets available in Glenrothes town centre, and at the Pitcairn Centre (Moidart Drive).
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
It may be a young woodland, but Formonthills already supports a wealth of wildlife, including a wide range of birds. Look out for powerful birds of prey, such as buzzard and kestrel, as they scour the site in search of food. Watchful visitors might catch a glimpse of small mammals like rabbits and moles, and possibly even larger ones such as the roe deer which also roam here.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
Around 80,000 native trees – including oak, ash, birch, cherry and Scots pine – were planted in the central area of the wood in the mid-1990s. In 2001, in what was a pioneering experiment at the time, wildflower seeds were sown in 11 hectares (27 acres) of the newly planted site to establish a ground flora component.
Look out for:
Habitats
With a mix of broadleaf and conifer trees, Formonthills is made up of both new and mature woodland, along with areas of wetland and grassy glades.
Explore:
Most of the young woodland was planted between 1995 and 1997, shortly after we took ownership of the site from Glenrothes Development Corporation.
About Formonthills
History
Glenrothes is a fairly new town which was established in 1948, mainly to house miners who were to work at the new Rothes Colliery. The mine, however, was closed due to flooding only four years after the official opening.
This is former farming country and most of the woodland lies on what was once improved or semi-improved agricultural land. There are reminders of this in the network of ditches that once drained the area and the old dry-stone dykes that marked the boundaries between fields. Prior to being drained, the area was a hinterland of small lochs, moorland and peatbogs.
Dedicate at this wood
This wood is one of more than 50 across the UK where it's possible to dedicate trees, benches or larger areas of woodland. Mark a special occasion or celebrate the life of a loved one with a meaningful gesture that lasts.
Choose a dedicationThings to do in Formonthills
Walking
Formonthills is a wonderful place to enjoy a gentle amble or brisker walk, with over 9.6km (6 miles) of paths throughout the site, a variety of circular routes of different lengths and stunning views of the surrounding areas.
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Events
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
Things to do in the woods
Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season.
