Local schoolchildren are getting the chance to shape the future of their local area by being involved in a land restoration project at Kier’' Greenburn Surface Mine.

Recently, a 'rich task group' of 22 children from various classes at New Cumnock Primary School visited the site to come up with ideas for how the designated area should be restored. Kier was on hand to provide advice and the children were given information on key target species and habitats. They also had the chance to plant trees next to the recently realigned River Nith and to inspect a brand new CAT777G 100-tonne dump truck.

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Following the site visit, the task group will be asked to come up with restoration designs and ideas focusing on the use of recycled, environmentally friendly, sustainable materials in order to enhance the restoration scheme. Kier will implement the design over the summer months and the task group will be invited back to inspect the results.

Executive director of educational and social services, Graham Short, commented: "Kier Mining's Project involving the children of New Cumnock Primary School is imaginative and forward looking. It directly involves children in active learning through a landscape design project and in positive activities such as tree planting. Moreover, the company is demonstrating a highly responsible attitude to the environment and landscape; thus, both by example and the involvement of children it will nurture in the young people the idea of them being responsible citizens exactly in the way envisaged by the new Curriculum for Excellence."

(CD/MH)