Friends of Durris Forests

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel (SSRS)

Only around 121,000 red squirrels are left in Scotland today. SSRS is a crucial part of the first nationally co-ordinated attempt to save Britain’s only native squirrel species, the red squirrel. Launched in February 2009, SSRS is a three-year partnership project which aims to halt the decline of red squirrel populations in key areas of north Scotland and improve habitat conditions to allow red squirrels to thrive and increase in number. 

FDF has been working in partnership with SSRS by surveying 2 x 1km sq tetrads in Durris Forest.  Four squirrel feeders have been erected in each of these tetrads and four visits took place over the month of September.   At each visit food was left in the boxes and sticky tabs were stuck under the lid of the feeder.  The information which was collected by FDF volunteers showed whether the food had been eaten and if squirrel hairs were stuck to the sticky tabs.

So, the good news is red squirrels are present in Clune wood, Meikle Tulloch & Balladrum.  However, the bad news is Kirkton of Durris woods used to have red squirrels but there was no activity at the squirrel feeders.  A feeder box was erected at the Kirkton of Durris Bridge and food had been taken, but unfortunately the hairs looked grey (this is being analysed by a professional).

To report sightings please visit SSRS new sightings website http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/scotlands-red-squirrels/squirrel-sightings/

If you would like to find out more about the project please visit http://www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk/

FDF’s Forest School Project

FDF will have completed the first year of their Forest School Project by the end of December and they have secured further funding of £2000.00 for their second year from Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited.  The feedback from teachers, parents and children has been amazing –

My Primary 5/6 class had five wonderful, varied weeks of Forest Schools.  The children learned new skills, enjoyed sharing their different strengths outside the classroom and were very enthusiastic at all times.  We used what we had learned in the forest when we got back to the classroom.  A super experience for everyone.  Ruth Ironside P5 & 6 teacher, Lairhillock.

All the class really enjoyed the varied and appropriate activities within Forest School.  It stimulated excellent conversations and linked activities back in class, linked the outcomes and experiences to the SCfE and was extremely worthwhile.  As a teacher, the benefits of outdoor learning were significant for the class not only in learning opportunities but also in the promotion of life skills.  I found it so exciting, I have taken steps to begin Forest School training.  John Hughes P2, 3 & 4 teacher, Drumoak.

We are looking forward to the new year when we will be working with three new schools: Hill of Banchory, Strachan and Banchory Primary Schools.

If you would like to make a donation towards this project please contact Julia Mackay – Myrtle Steading, Durris, AB31 6DY – m4cay@gofast.co.uk .

AGM

On Thursday 17^th November FDF held their 11^th AGM in the Durris Kirkton Hall.  We were delighted to be joined by Calum Murray who is the Communities Recreation and Tourism Manager for the Forestry Commission.  John Coyne (FDF chairman) wished a fond farewell to Julia White (Truscott) our FCS Communities Ranger who has gained funding to do a research project in Australia linked to Forest School and the Aborigines. We all wish her great success in such an exciting project.

FDF report for 2010/11

Pitcowdens: Pitcowdens has been the main focus of FDF action in this period.  A great deal has been discovered about the history, both ancient and recent, of the site, and a general plan was made to make the site a focal point for education and habitat development within the Durris Forest.

Durris Primary School: Durris Primary School has been very involved during the year. A major event was held on Action Earth Day in July.  Children from the school helped to clear stones, create log piles and plant wild flowers.  This was made possible by a £250 grant from Scottish Natural Heritage.

In October the Durris Primary School's 6 and 7s started their John Muir Award activities at Pitcowdens. This covered six full days. After completing their award tasks in November they gave a well received presentation at the FDF AGM.

The primary students continued to be active at Pitcowdens,  planting 140 hedgerow trees in January, and in March they planted aconites and bluebells among the trees..

Interpretative Arts and Crafts: An important aspect of the Pitcowdens Project was to create a destination of interest for walkers, and to do so using traditional arts and crafts. To this end an area near the ruins of the 19th Century croft was set aside for picnics and general viewing of the site.  The chosen area had originally been enclosed by a drystane dyke, part of which still remained. The dyke was rebuilt and a picnic area created adjacent to it. To provide interest for children, a willow hide was created adjacent to the picnic site.  As a central feature, it was decided to commission an oak and stone bench. In May a site visit was held with Paul Hibbard from the FCS Design and Interpretation Branch.  The general concept was accepted and in September Andy Newlands was  commissioned to work with FCS to design an interpretation bench. The bench was installed by Andy in February.

Forest School Funding: Over the period significant funding was received for the Forest School Project. Local firm, Senergy, donated £1,000 in March. This was followed by a £32,000 grant from Forests 4 People, and in January of this year we received a pledge of £21,000 from the Robinson Trust.

Workshops and Training: As part of our ongoing effort to increase the skills and qualifications of  FDF Committee Members, Julia Mackay attended a red squirrel monitoring workshop. This was followed later in the year by attendance at an FEI networking day in Dunkeld and supporting FEI at Techfest in Aberdeen.

Comments on Draft FCS Forest Design Plan 2011

The main objectives of FDF regarding the design plan is to encourage felling and planting that will enhance bio-diversity and provide a landscape that will be aesthetically pleasing and mimic where possible natural regeneration. This is seen to be especially important at forest edges and visible high contours, but more importantly in riparian zones.

It is felt that the Durris Outliers are especially important. This was recognised in the 2002  Forest Design Plan: "The overall concept of the plan is to convert the Durris Outliers management system from clearfell and restock to a Shelterwood system". We strongly agree with this statement and believe that this should be continued in the current plan.

It is understood that this is a draft plan, so the following specific comments are not our complete view.

1. Northbrae  Plantation: There are two committed coupe areas.

     a. The high contour to the east is a very visible area and forms an important  landscape feature. We note that this location was designated as one of continuous tree cover, and agree that this should be continued in the current design plan.

     b. Continuous tree cover was also designated for the northern coupe are shown on the design plan. There has been felling in this area, which has been beneficial as this is an important riparian zone along the March Burn, part of the River Dee SAC. The felling has opened up the area along the burn. The need to maintain this gain should be taken into consideration in any planting scheme. Otters have been observed on the March Burn. We note that there are red squirrels in this area and a large number of bird species. It is suggested that consideration be given to the planting of native hardwoods and perhaps some Norway Spruce and Scots Pine in appropriate areas away from the burn.

2. Balbridie: The March Burn flows through this woods. The comments under 1b would apply here as well.

3. Brachmont: (New Plantation): We suggest that established FCS Management Objectives are strongly recommended in design planning for this new area, specifically:

   a. Soften Forest Edges

   b. Establish Conservation/Buffer Zones

   c. Favour Birch Where Possible

   d. Encourage Recreational Access

4. Ashentilly: Agree with the use of high quality hardwoods, as this would provide habitat benefit and enhance recreational use.

5. Durris Main Block:

   a. It is agreed that the upland heath area should be a priority area. It is extremely valuable to secure  special areas like this within the forest block.

    b. Currently the area along the wayleave provides some of the greatest biodiversity within the forest. The plans for this area will produce a positive improvement and are most encouraging.