Members of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee have agreed to reallocate £47,000 from Fife Council Capital fund to support the next phase of woodland expansion and mountain bike trail development at Lochore Meadows Country Park.

The decision means plans can now progress to deliver Fife’s first dedicated mountain bike trail centre, including 2.5km of new technical trails and the planting of 5,500 native trees to extend the ancient Harran Hill Woodland. This investment builds on more than 16 years of community-driven development at the park.

The wider £400,000 project is backed by significant external funding, including £200,000 from the Nature Restoration Fund, alongside UKSPF and council capital investment. Together, this package will support new cycling opportunities, protect local habitats, boost biodiversity, and strengthen Lochore Meadows’ role as a centre for outdoor learning, volunteering, and community wellbeing.

This long-term approach brings recreation, regeneration, and environmental enhancement together, ensuring Lochore Meadows continues to thrive as a flagship country park for current and future generations.

Cllr Alex Campbell, Convenor of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, said:“I’m delighted that the committee has agreed to support this project. Lochore Meadows is one of our greatest community assets, and this investment will open up fantastic new opportunities for local people while strengthening the natural environment for years to come. The development of new trails and the expansion of Harran Hill Woodland have been shaped by community use, community feedback, and community ambition. It’s great to see the next stage now moving ahead.”

With funding approved, early works such as fencing and tree planting will begin shortly, followed by full trail construction later in the year.