Kirkton site under threat?

We understand that FCS has decided to merge the Buchan and Kincardine forest districts and to locate the district management at Huntly. In the short term the offices and operations at Kirkton will remain. The new district manager to be appointed in January will determine the future of the site.

In spite of our co-management agreement, we have not been involved in these decisions. Norman Davidson, presently the Forest District Manager for Buchan and acting for the Kincardine District meantime, gave some reassurance to the AGM. However the future of the site is to be determined by his successor, who will be appointed in the new year.

Following the review of the management structure, our relations with FCS are now conducted with Dan Cadle, the Community Ranger, who is also friendly and helpful.

AGM 21 Nov 2005

FDF welcomed two new members onto the Board: Margaret Brown and Julia MacKay, both active users of the Durris forests with plenty of ideas and enthusiasm to contribute.

The AGM kindly gave a vote of thanks to retiring trustees Mark Hagger and Sophie Trafford, for their invaluable contributions over the past few years.

Elsick Mounth

The path through Bruntyairds is still blocked by fallen trees from the February storms. Forestry Commission staff say they have been unable to clear the obstruction because of raptors reported to be nesting in the area. Now that the nesting season is well over, we are advised that the path will be cleared next time machines are in the area, which is now scheduled to be December/January.

Felling programme

Thinning of the woods at Inchloan has now been completed. Two further projects are clear fell at Monthammock and at Strathgyle, both of which are now expected to take place in December or January. We have also been involved in discussions over the felling of trees at Pitcowdens, and a new strategy has been agreed

Clune Wood

Clune is a precious resource close to the local community in Woodlands; it is a small but very popular recreational area. Folk come here for different purposes, and there is increasing conflict between users.

More vandalism has been reported at the stone circle in Clune Wood. Horses have been ridden through the stone circle and caused environmental damage. It is as unacceptable for horses to use this site as it is for people to displace stones. We welcome all users to Clune Wood, but we ask that people respect the environment, the path infrastructure and other users.

Horse riders are asked to keep to the forest roads. The Blue Trail is not designed for horses, and they will cause unacceptable damage, as well as spoiling the path and creating risk encounters for young children for whom the path was designed. Use by horses is therefore considered contrary to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Some parts of the Red and Green trails have also been damaged.

Members should report any unauthorised activity, including camping or fires, to FCS at the Kirkton Office, or to any Board member promptly.

www.friendsofdurrisforests.co.uk

My favourite walk VII: Cairn mon Earn

Distance: 12km   Difficulty: medium 

Surface: on-road

From the summit there is a fantastic view over the Mounth hills, to the sea in the east, to Stonehaven and Aberdeen. The walk is worth it for that alone, but on the way you enjoy a variety of environment and wildlife, and some healthy exercise. At the top, rest awhile on the substantial new bench that we have had installed there by FCS.

You may start this walk from any of the entrances to Durris Forest, and you may travel by foot, cycle or horse. This route description starts from Meikle Tulloch, the entrance nearest to Woodlands of Durris. There is parking for a few cars just inside the entrance.

Follow the forest road up through the attractive wood behind Meikle Tulloch, then pick up the main forest road and climb up to pass the quarry constructed a few years ago to provide local stone for the forest roads. Drop down to the Clash Burn at Chalybeate Well, and turn right along the road that passes under the power lines. After a further km, take a sharp right over the burn, and follow the side of the hill round through the mature trees with views out over Glen Clash on your left.

Turn sharp right on the waymarked route up the steep climb to the Cairn mon Earn summit. There are many unsightly cabins, masts, fences and blocks of concrete near the summit, but there is a large bronze age cairn and 100m further away on a secondary summit a pleasant spot to rest and admire the views in all directions.

Return by the same route, or if you are on bike you may wish to vary it by turning right at the foot of the hill, then left on the circular road round the forest.

Deeside Line at the FDF AGM

Members have had their eye on path developments in Drumoak and Park over the past year or so. At our AGM on 21 November, Craig Stewart, the Projects Officer at Aberdeenshire Council explained the background, aims and strategy for the Deeside Way/Auld Deeside Line.

The project aims to create a quality multi-user path between Aberdeen and Ballater over a five year period. Access is by negotiation with landowners, and sections are implemented as satisfactory negotiations are completed. The path follows the old railway line where possible, but uses alternative routes where appropriate. Funding is from a variety of partners, who have recognised the potential for the path, in terms of transport, economy, tourism, health and sustainability.

The path will provide a backbone to the local path network, and also link to the Elsick Mounth path between Drumoak and Stonehaven.

Plans for 2006

Do you have any bright ideas that you would like  to take forward with us in the new year?

Please tell any Board member about it, and we will see what we can do.

FDF wish you

seasons greetings and

many enjoyable visits

to Durris forests in 2006