Newsletter 26 - March 2006
Pitcowdens Project:
Friends of Durris Forests in co-operation with Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) are in the process of developing a strategy for the Pitcowdens area of Durris Forest. Pitcowdens was an active farm in the early part of the 19th century. It was identified as Pitcautens in the 1841 census at which time it was farmed by David Dunn. It continued to be farmed well into the 20th century. In 1925 it was tenanted by Thomas Ramsay. The foundations of the original house and steadings can still be seen, and the field layout is still quite evident, bounded in large part by good stone dykes.
Much of the site is covered by commercial species, but FCS intends to harvest the area in the near future. Preliminary discussions have been held between FCS and FDF regarding the future use of the site. It will not be replanted, the preference being to create a setting which recognises the history and original use of Pitcowdens and enhances the environmental value of the site. Some ideas have been to create natural meadows and wetlands, to reinstate the dykes, and to clearly identify the footprint of the original buildings.
At this early point in the planning process we would welcome input from the local community. Of special interest would be any historical information about Pitcowdens that local residents might have. We would also appreciate any suggestions about possible future uses for the site. Please contact any of the FDF directors with any information or suggestions you may have.
Charity Walk at Kirkton Hall
Local walkers are stepping out to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer on Sunday the 26th March at 1.30pm as part of the Mothers’ Day Crocus Walks, sponsored by Norwich Union. The funds raised from these walks will help to fund Breakthrough’s vital research and education work and Norwich Union is promising to match pound for pound raised, up to an amazing £100,000!
Gillian Edward with the help of friends and local groups Friends of Durris Forests and the Kirkton Hall Committee are organising the walk. The walk will start and finish at the Kirkton Hall and will take approximately half an hour. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be supplied at the Hall. In addition there will be activities for the children to enjoy!
Gillian says ”Supporting Breakthrough is something very important to me; it affects the lives of so many people; women, men and families across the UK. We’re really excited about getting out there and having a fun day raising funds for Breakthrough, and future generations. So join us if you can!”
Over 41,000 women and 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, by taking part in a Crocus Walk, you can help Breakthrough create a future free from the fear of breast cancer!
Further information and Sponsorship forms can be obtained from the Crocus walk web page www.crocuswalk.org.uk/ or contact Gillian on 01330 811115.
Picture puzzle 1
“Name that Tree”, from the shape and leaf and cone shown here.
Friends Board 2006
If you have any suggestions, or would like to contribute to one of the working groups, please contact any committee member. ((: 01330-…)
Mark Ansell (811371) Margaret Brown(810030)
Molly Atkinson (811363) Julia Mackay(811576)
John Coyne (844787) Helen White (811435)
James White (811756)
David Felstead (811884) (Membership Officer)
Dan Cadle (844800) (FCS Community Ranger)
Spring Star-gazing
Aberdeen Astronomical Society and Forestry Commission Scotland have got together to produce a fascinating evening event about the night sky. This will combine a stimulating talk, then a walk through the forest to a viewing area with telescopes. If it’s too cloudy, Plan B includes a trip to Saturn. The night sky may never look the same again!
The event will take place on Friday 24th March, beginning at 7.30 pm at the Kirkton Hall. For more details and to book contact ranger Louise Simpson on 01330 844537. Bring warm clothes, a torch, and a flask of something hot!
Forestry Commission Harvesting Programme
FCS are currently harvesting in Bruintyairds wood. This is part of the long term
harvesting programme and the area has the Elsick Mouth right of way passing
through it, now reopened after a lengthy closure. FCS report that: “It was our
intention to fell this earlier, however we were unable to do this because it
would have caused disturbance to nesting raptors last year. Right now the
footpath is almost clear and we hope to have it open very soon. It is likely
that we will have to close both forest roads around the area soon as the timber
stacks are potentially dangerous.
Once work it finished at
Bruntyairds we will be moving the machines back to Monthammock to complete the
felling work here. We then move to a small amount of work at Pitcowdens.”
Warning signs! Warning signs! Warning signs!
With all forest operations
it is vital that the public keep a safe distance from these potentially very
dangerous machines. There is a system of risk assessing and signing such areas
to advise the public as much as possible. There are three signs which FCS use.
Warning Forest
Operations: This means
there are forest operations in the area and you should be aware that there may
be closures / diversions ahead. You should also watch for increased vehicle
movement, especially of timber lorries.
No Unauthorised Persons: - This means you should not go past this sign.
By doing so you will be putting yourself in danger. Where possible we will
create a diversion route (especially where there is a public right of way or
formal waymarked trail) to get you to where you may be trying to go, however
this is not always possible.
Timber Stacks: You should never try and climb on piles of timber. They
can be unstable and collapse underneath you. Timber (especially when freshly
cut) is very heavy and can cause significant crush injuries. The timber can
also be very slippery.
The signs are all there to
keep you safe and we attempt to get them taken down as soon as we can after
harvesting is complete.
For any more information
please contact Dan Cadle at the Forest Office. Tel 01330 844537, Email
dan.cadle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Picture puzzle – answer!
Norway Spruce Picea Abies: The traditional Christmas Tree found in many homes
during December. A European, but not British, native species. It was widely
planted earlier this century, but later replaced by the higher yielding Sitka
Spruce. The tough and elastic timber, known as "white deal", is used for
internal building work, boxes and paper. Its sound transmitting properties make
it ideal for certain parts of violins hence its name "violin wood". In the past
its resin was used as a source of turpentine and pitch, and its twigs for making
spruce beer.
Norway Spruce can be identified as having Greyish-brown smooth bark with a rusty
tint, pointed mid-green needles standing on tiny pegs, A conically shaped tree
reaching up to 40m with long cylindrical brown cones which hang down.