Cumnock and Doon Valley Initiative, within which East Ayrshire Council is the dominant partner, was set up to encourage economic regeneration in an area that has suffered greatly from the closure of mining and other traditional industries. The partnership is leading an ambitious project that will bring significant improvements to the living environment for the local community, whilst also creating new employment and training opportunities to help alleviate the very high levels of unemployment. An initial phase of work (project 1/028) saw the implementation of three pilot woodland restoration projects, planting native species, managing existing woodland and providing paths and interpretative material.Building on the success of this first phase the 2/048 project has restored 295ha of predominantly native woodlands, through planting and management, on 44 sites. In addition, nearly 16km of footpaths have been constructed to improve access to the woods and increase recreational opportunities. A major element of the project has been the provision 100 formal training places in woodland management skills for local people.