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In bright sunshine on 15th January over 80 volunteers of all ages, sizes and shapes, met to spend the morning clearing brash and logs to open up a historic right of way through Durris Forest. The ancient Elsick Mounth is one of several paths connecting the Dee Valley to the coast. References to the Elsick Mounth as a route between Stonehaven and Drum are recorded as early as the 17th Century and it has been used within living memory for cattle droving.

Forest Enterprise had previously brashed the trees and cut fallen logs which were moved by the volunteers off the path to form a clear way for more than 2 kms through the Forest.

Amongst many others, cubs, scouts and brownies were enthusiastically hauling timber, helped by our Westminster MP, Sir Robert Smith. Some of the Ramblers Association were back for a second bite, having last cleared the Mounth 20 years ago.

Now we can once again walk over the hill from Durris to Stonehaven. See you there on 6^th May!

Story time

Have you heard the one about the black coos? The coos were being driven back from the mart in Stoney. After a dram too many, night fell on the Mounth, and the coos strayed. The white ones were easy to find, but the black ones…

We are collecting stories and anecdotes about the Elsick Mounth. Do you have any memories or tales to tell? Please contact one of the committee, so that we can build up a picture of life in Durris. (Janet)

Best Views

Would you like to map out a new cycle route?

Do you have a favourite horse trail?

Have you admired the view from the summit of Mundernal?

Should we map these gems? Tell FDF!

Elsick Mounth – the next steps

Plans are now being drawn up to signpost the path through the forest, together with an alternative route on forest roads more appropriate for horses and cyclists. It is proposed to install information panels about the history, ecology, and landscape of the Mounth, and to improve the gates and stiles at the boundary. The marking of the Mounth across the Rickarton Estate has the support of the landowner.

A scheme has been drawn up for a path starting in Drumoak, winding through Warren Wood and Currackstane Wood to join the Elsick Mounth in Durris Forest. Discussions are also taking place to establish an off road path through from Rickarton to Stonehaven. FDF is working with the Council to develop the path. A consultation paper on the overall route and signs is available from Mark.

An inaugural walk is proposed for Saturday 6 May 2000. Friends are invited to walk any part of the route from Drumoak to Stonehaven. Would you like a celebrity to open the Elsick Mounth? Or a piper and other traditional music to lead the walk? (Mark)

24 June 2000 Millennium Festival of Cycling

Family Fun Day in Durris Forest

The FDF Committee has been meeting monthly. It has elected Mark as Chair, Sophie as Treasurer, David as Membership Officer. A Constitution has been drafted, and a bank account opened. A number of project teams have been set up to progress different areas. FDF has affiliated to Scottish Conservation Projects, and has insurance through SCP. If you have any suggestions, or would like to contribute to one of the working groups, please contact any committee member. ((: 01330-…)

Alistair Angus (844625)(Forest Enterprise ranger)

Life in Durris in the Bronze Age

The N.E. of Scotland is rich in the remains of past human settlements, from the first farming communities, over 5,000 years ago, through the Roman military occupation to the Mediaeval period and more recent past.

Durris is home to many fine examples. There is, in Kirkton Wood, a notable Bronze Age Cairn. Although marked on maps, it was damaged recently by heavy equipment working for Land Rover Experience Deeside. The Cairn is probably linked to the Bronze Age Village and Field system located nearby on Upper Balfour Farm.

A visit is planned to these important sites on Feb 19th [after the newsletter goes to press]. Ann Miles of Historic Scotland will lead a short walk to explore the site and to find what remains today. The Village and Field System has been Scheduled as an ‘Ancient Monument’. The site now gains the legal protection it needs to survive for future generations. (Philip)

Tree planting by Durris School

40 children from Durris School came out into the forest near Calladrum to plant broadleaf trees on 31 January. Forest Ranger Louise Simpson supported the event, providing the raw materials of tree seedlings, stakes and tubes. Louise discussed the types of trees with the children, and explained how to plant the seedling. Then it was up to the kids! With a little help from parent helpers. The school plans to return to see how the trees are growing. The trees can be found by walking half a mile up the forest track branching left from the road to the Gennel. (Paulette)

Improvements to the forest roads have been implemented in January, following a request to Forest Enterprise.

Improved parking and access are currently being designed by FE landscape architects for work to be done in the spring.

Treading Lightly on a Fragile Ecology

At public meetings in Kirkton Hall, Land Rover explained the company’s tread lightly approach to off-road driving. The approach is designed ‘to minimise erosion and scarring of the landscape and disturbance to wildlife, domestic animals and other users of the land.’

Now that Land Rover Experience Deeside is up and running, we can see the results of the tread lightly approach. Many of the off-road tracks used are badly rutted, and there is already serious soil erosion in several areas. The fragile peaty topsoil has been ripped out. Water, which would normally drain through the peat into burns and ditches, is now flowing down the Land Rover ruts, causing further soil erosion.

In some areas, a change in drainage pattern has resulted, leaving standing puddles and new water courses. In addition, oil can be seen on the surface of some pools, washed off the underside of the vehicles as they have passed through.

The extent of the damage is all the more alarming as we understand that very few paying customers had so far paid to ‘tread lightly’ with Land Rover Experience Deeside. What will the damage be like when they are in full operation?

The damage should come as no surprise to anyone, including Land Rover. The RSK Environmental Report, submitted as part of the planning application, spelled out the consequence of driving on wet, peaty soil. It recommended that no driving take place in areas of deep peat. Unfortunately, the advice of their own experts has been ignored.

The same report states that ‘Land Rover actively promotes environmental awareness…’ It is time that Land Rover stopped the environmental damage being done in their name in Durris Forest.

You can protest to Dieter Udelhoven, Land Rover International, Warwick Technology Park, Warwick CV34 6RG