D044/CD/V1/April 2011 GREEN NETWORK Contents

1.0 Introduction Figures 1.1 Background and Purpose Fig. 1 Central Green Network Location 1.2 Study Team Fig. 2 Ayrshire and Districts Location Plan 1.3 Study Context Fig. 3 Study Area 1.4 Study Area Fig. 4 Planning and Environmental Designations 1.5 Background to the Central Scotland Green Network Aims and Goals Fig. 5 Settlements with Population greater than 2000 Fig. 6 Irvine Bay Potential Green Network Sites 2.0 Context of Ayrshire Green Network Fig. 7 Ayrshire Pilgrims’ Trail 2.1 Planning Context Fig. 8 Existing Typology for Ayrshire 2.2 Socio-demographic profi le Fig. 9 Topography 2.3 Existing Initiatives Fig. 10 Sensitive Landscape Areas 2.4 Existing Green Networks Fig. 11 Landscape Character Areas Fig. 12 Designed Landscape Locations Fig. 13 Existing Woodland Locations 3.0 Description of Existing Key Features Fig. 14 Green Space Audit 3.1 Topography Fig. 15 Biodiversity 3.2 Landscape and Landscape Character Fig. 16 Corridors for Wildlife 3.3 Forestry, Woodland and Hedgerows Fig. 17 Heritage 3.4 Natural Heritage Assets Fig. 18 Geology of Arran 3.5 Built Heritage Assets and Archaeology Fig. 19 National Cycle Network 3.6 Road and Path Networks Fig. 20 Core Paths 3.7 Vacant and Disused Land Fig. 21 Green Travel Routes Fig. 22 Vacant and Derelict Land 4.0 GIS Mapping Process Fig. 23 Function Map Example – Trapping Air Pollutants 4.1 Methodology Fig. 24 Multifunctionality 4.2 Typology Maps Fig. 25 Benefi t Map Example – Health & Wellbeing 4.3 Functionality of Study Area Fig. 26 Needs Map Example – Trapping Air Pollutants 4.4 Benefi ts Fig. 27 Needs Fulfi lled and Not Fulfi lled Example – Trapping Air Pollutants 4.5 Needs Fig. 28 Needs Fulfi lled Map for Ayrshire 4.6 Needs Fulfi lled and Not Fulfi lled Fig. 29 Needs Not Fulfi lled Map for Ayrshire 4.7 Data Gaps Fig. 30 Needs Fulfi lled Example – Health and Wellbeing Fig. 31 Needs Not Fulfi lled Example - Health and Wellbeing 5.0 Principal Forces of Change Fig. 32 Communities within 300 metres of Greenspace / Accessible Countryside 5.1 Socioeconomic Drivers and Funding Fig. 33 Business Locations 5.2 Private/Public Sector Partnership Working Fig. 34 Opencast Locations 5.3 Inspiring Communities, Organisations and Business Fig. 35 Population within 2 kms of a railway or bus station 5.4 Regeneration Priorities in Ayrshire Fig. 36 Health Deprivation 5.5 Links with CSGN Initiatives and Goals for the AGN Fig. 37 Action Plan 1 Core Area 5.6 Short and Long Term Management Fig. 38 Action Plan 2 North Coast Investment Area 5.7 Impact of Climate Change Fig. 39 Action Plan 3 Garnock Valley 5.8 Impact on Development and Planning Policy Fig. 40 Action Plan 4 Link Fig. 41 Action Plan 5 Irvine Valley 6.0 Action Plans Fig. 42 Action Plan 6 A70/A76 Investment Corridor 6.1 Vision for the Ayrshire Green Network Fig. 43 Action Plan 7 Doon Valley Investment Corridor 6.2 Action Plans Fig. 44 Action Plan 8 Carrick Coast Investment Corridor Core Area Investment Corridors Appendices Appendix A. Potential Projects 7.0 Recommendations Appendix B GIS Methodology and Summary of Terminology 7.1 Organisational arrangements Appendix C Funding Sources 7.2 Delivery and Timescale Appendix D GIS Plans (separate volume)

CONTENTS 0.0 1 AYRSHIRE GREEN NETWORK 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background and Purpose of the Study

1.1.1 The three Ayrshire Councils, as local planning authorities, are seeking to facilitate the implementation of the Central Green network in Ayrshire. The Ayrshire Joint Planning Unit (JPU) and Project Partners, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage recognised the need for an initial piece of work to scope out the:

• Options for organisational arrangements to deliver facilitation of the Green Network. • Extent and form of the existing green network within the study area. • Initial opportunities for its enhancement.

1.1.2 The