A HISTORIC area of Irvine could be one step closer to being restored as part of a new regeneration project.

North Ayrshire Council have pledged funding for a new regeneration and protection plan for the Bourtreehill estate which will involve a series of projects with the local community.

The announcement came after the tireless work of local resident Donna Babington who set up the Bourtreehill Estate Facebook page to showcase the area’s wildlife and history.

After meeting with NAC chiefs, Donna managed to help secure funding for major forestry work and assessments to be carried out this year.

There will be increased community involvement with the project with a greater recognition set to be given to the area’s history and natural assets.

The main woodland area of Bourtreehill has gained notoriety in the past for its association with crime but it is hoped that the new projects will bring positive changes to the area.

And although Donna admits that the regeneration project will be a challenge she believes the work will be worth it in the end.

Speaking to the Times, she said: “Over the past few years alongside my previous position with Morton Research Labs, I have volunteered many hours of my time conducting numerous surveys of all the amazing wildlife and natural resources contained in Bourtreehill Estate, as well as listening to comments and concerns from people who use the estate on a daily basis.

“The goal was to write a detailed report of my findings and present it to North Ayrshire Council in the hope they could be used to achieve something positive for this amazing medieval woodland estate and my community.

“Bourtreehill was once the most important estate in Irvine and has an amazing documented history that spans back to the 13th century yet the estate is now overgrown, neglected and sadly often used as a dumping ground.

“With support from NAC the goal is for the local community to work together to restore the woodlands and make use of the amazing natural and historical assets through various exciting plans and ideas, to shape a place that will benefit the whole community and future generations.

“The support from the local community on the Bourtreehill Estate Facebook page has been fantastic as has the response from NAC who have pledged support and resources to enable community based regeneration to happen.

“It’s a challenge but one I believe the people in my community are more than capable of rising to.” A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We have had positive discussions around Bourtreehill Estate and are working with Donna to explore how best to recognise the area’s history and heritage.”