Newsletter 23  -  May  2005

 

Red Squirrels in Durris Forest

 

Durris Forest is identified by the Scottish Squirrel Strategy as a priority woodland for our native Red Squirrel.  Unfortunately as a result of the release of Grey Squirrels to the parks of Aberdeen, its’ American cousin has increasingly been seen in the Durris area.

 

The presence of Grey Squirrels in the Durris area, particularly around Warren Wood, Warren Park, along the South Deeside Road and towards Banchory is detrimental to the local Red Squirrel population. A combination of the grey’s ability to have a wider diet, rapid colonisation and the presence of large corridors of Beech and Oak in the area only serve to facilitate the invasion by the Grey Squirrel.

 

Forestry Commission Scotland and the Grampian Squirrel Group are working together to conserve the Red Squirrel and one of the key requirements for management and preservation is the recording of sightings of Red and Grey Squirrels.

 

Over the next couple of weeks, signs will be erected at a number of forest entrances in the Durris area highlighting the plight of the Red Squirrel and asking for the help of local residents. Sightings of Red and Grey Squirrels can be submitted to FCS and / or www.grampiansquirrelgroup.co.uk. This information will then be used to programme habitat conservation work and the controlled trapping of Grey Squirrels.

 

FCS are also keen to hear from householders who may have regular visits from Grey Squirrels to their gardens and who want to help save the Red Squirrel. FCS can provide traps and wildlife rangers can be called upon to remove caged animals. More information can be obtained from the FCS office at Kirkton of Durris.

 

The forest design plan developed by FCS in conjunction with the Friends of Durris Forests last year, had Red Squirrel management as a key conservation objective. There are a number of habitat improvements to be carried out and would be a very worthwhile task for the Friends’ conservation squad. Further information and dates for events will be co-ordinated by the Friends’ and FCS.

 

Philippa Murphy

Philippa.murphy@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

01330 844 537

 

On course at Clune

 

On Saturday 16^th April FDF and Mar Orienteering Club organised both an orienteering course and a hunt the butterfly trail in Clune Woods. The heavy rain of the morning cleared up for the start and this was reflected in the number of families that turn up. About 50 enthusiastic youngsters, mainly from local primary schools, took part in the two events.

 

The pre-school children had great fun finding the hidden butterflies. The older children showed great skills following the 2 mile orienteering course – only a few got slightly lost and that was blamed on their parents!  Afterwards everyone enjoyed juice and a snack. Many families had not visited the Clune Wood Story trail before and were very impressed - promising to return and enjoy the trails in future.

 

See the photos on the website at:

www.friendsofdurrisforests.co.uk

where you can also check out the latest FDF news and activities.

 

Kestrel Nestboxes

All 13 nestboxes have now been installed by Forestry Commission Scotland, and sponsors have been notified of the location of their box. Considering the size (approx 3'x1'x1') and the need to be 20' off the ground, this has been no mean achievement. Thanks to all who have contributed to this project.

 

The sites have been carefully selected in and around the Durris Forest and outlying woods, giving consideration to prevailing weather and likely feeding requirements. Locations include Garrol Wood, Kirkton Wood, Craiglug, Cairn Mon Earn, Bruntyairds and Cairnshee. We are also requesting that in the event of being successful in attracting Kestrels, under no circumstances should the nest-boxes be approached: please view from a distance with binoculars. If you spot a Kestrel in occupation, please let us know.

 

Dog Waste

We are continuing to promote the need to keep our most-used forest walks clear of dog waste, particularly at the entrances and at the start of paths. Many breeds actually prefer to go in privacy well away from the path, but there are also a few breeds that think nothing of performing in the middle of the path! In this event we ask owners to pick up their waste.

 

Better still, train your dog to do its business well away from the path, directing your dog into rough ground where no one is likely to walk. We are also looking into the possibility of positioning dog waste bins at the most popular forest walks.

 

Conservation Squad

 

A small group of volunteers has cleared the path on the west side of Currackstane Wood, where the gorse was blocking access. If you wish to be involved in these activities, please contact any Board member, or email to brachmont@yahoo.co.uk.

 

 

My favourite walk VI: Elsick Mounth (S)

Distance: 2.5km   Difficulty: easy 

Surface: mainly off-road

 

Start from the CraigieDaff car park, at the back of Brachmont and Hilton. Head South along the forest road into Bruntyairds Wood, as directed by the Scottish Rights of Way signpost.

 

After 300m, carry straight on at a junction, and at a waymarker about 50m after the junction, turn off left along a track into the woods. [At the time of writing the path has been blocked by windblown trees, but is passable with care and without too much difficulty; FCS plan to clear the vulnerable area shortly]. Walk up through the trees, with varying gradients. If you want some adventure, you could try to find the O.S. Trig point at 264m, now well buried in the forest. The path can be wet on the top of the hill, but there are ways round the puddles at the sides. Coming out of the forest to cross the forest road there are fine views to the sea, and a short distance beyond, observe the stone marking the parish boundary.

 

At either of the two road crossings, you may turn right and return on the forest road. Continue along the waymarked track and eventually you will reach the Rickarton boundary, with views to Stonehaven and the Mearns. Return by same path or using the forest roads.

 

 

 

Elsick Mounth Help a Heart Walk

Sunday 26 June 2005

 

A fundraising walk for the British Heart Foundation along the old drove road through Durris Forest. There are two alternative versions:

WW Elsick Mounth woodland walk: 11.00am start at Craigie Daff car park, behind Hilton of Durris, and return. The aim is to walk through to the Rickarton boundary and return. Distance approx. 2.5km each way.

 

D2C Dee to Sea Elsick Mounth walk: 10.00 am start at Park Bridge, walk through to Stonehaven, with taxi return. Distance approx 20 km

 

Please obtain sponsorship of at least £10.

Sponsorship forms available by sending an email to: brachmont@yahoo.co.uk with Elsick Mounth in the title.

 

The Elsick Mounth is an old drove road across the hills, connecting the agricultural lands of north/central Aberdeenshire with the mart at Auchenblae, the farmland of the Mearns, and the way south.

 

It was re-opened by FDF in January 2000, when more than 70 volunteers helped to clear the path. A waymarked route is now in place between Warren Wood and Rickarton.

 

Granite City Rally

 

The rally was a successful event, attracting a large number of spectators. Repairs have now been done to the forest roads. A couple of incidents of unauthorised driving in the forest have caused risk and concern, which the Board is discussing with FCS.