The more we know about the forest, the better we are able to protect it for future generations. Together, we can.

The Kilsture 1000 project was an exciting citizen science project based at Kilsture Forest. From March to August 2025, we set ourselves a goal to reach one thousand species recorded on site. From plants to birds, lichens, fungi, mammals and everything in between - over the course of the project we delivered 20 training, volunteering and surveying events to help reach this target! This also included bespoke Woodland Condition Assessment training for 20 volunteers to create an innovative approach to long-term monitoring of forest health.

By August 2025, we had reached 1331 species recorded on site and 5082 biological records for the site. This represented an increase of 470 species recorded through the Kilsture 1000 project and an increase of 2731 bioligical records through the Kilsture 1000 project.

All of our nature observations have been used to create a map of Kilsture’s ecosystem that will inform how best to support the biodiversity of the forest for the future.

In a survey of Kilsture 1000 participants, 100% of respondents rated their experience of the project as '5 star' and 100% said they were 'highly likely' to continue volunteering with Kilsture Forest Community Group.

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The Kilsture 1000 project was supported by Inspiring Scotland's Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund.