Forestry Commission Scotland to Close Kirkton of Durris Office

In 2005, Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS)  made the decision to amalgamate the Kincardine and Buchan Forest Districts.  When FDF learned of this, a protest was lodged on the basis that they had not consulted with FDF prior to reaching this decision, and that such consultation was required under the terms of the FDF/FCS Joint Management Agreement which covers the Durris Forests.  FDF was informed that consultations did not take place because it was a matter that involved staff and confidentiality had to be maintained. FDF did not accept this explanation. At that time, we requested and were given assurances that the Kirkton of Durris office would be maintained.  We also noted that we expected to be kept informed regarding any changes that would come about due to the amalgamation. 

Last month FDF learned that FCS had conducted a review of the Kincardine Forest District in September 2005, and based on this report, they had decided to close the Kirkton of Durris office and relocate staff to other sites. Once again in direct violation of the Joint Management Agreement, FDF was not consulted  nor given official notification of this. As the newly appointed Forest District Manager, John Thomson, had been invited to the scheduled 20 July FDF meeting, we took this opportunity to initiate direct discussion of these issues.  Mr Thomson confirmed that a decision had been reached to close the Kirkton office and that options had been considered for the disposal of the site, one of which was the possible  sale of the site with planning consent for a housing development. FDF informed Mr Thomson that no such decision could be made without detailed consultation with FDF, and that FDF would need to consult its members and the local community regarding their thoughts on the future use of the Kirkton site. To this end, FDF required that FCS present FDF with a timetable for these consultations. Mr Thomson sent FDF a letter confirming this on the 9th August. 

In the coming weeks, FDF will be consulting its members and the local community to gain their views on the future of the Kirkton site.  This is to be done by direct contact and through a public meeting, the date of which is to be announced.  FDF is determined that the views of the local community are to play an important role in any decision that is reached.  If you wish to have any further information or to discuss this matter personally, please contact any of the FDF Committee Members.

Forestry Commission Scotland Deer Management Policy

On the 23rd August, FDF Committee members met with Willie Lamont, the FCS Deer Management Officer North of Scotland and David Bain, the Wildlife Ranger Manager, to discuss FCS general policy for the management of deer in Durris Forest. FDF was concerned regarding an FCS decision to replace the retiring ranger responsible for deer culling with a contractor.  FDF wanted assurances that the intended contractor would be subject to the same degree of control and accountability as a FCS ranger and have the requisite professional qualifications.  Of specific concern  to FDF were the safety of the public, the maintenance of a healthy, viable deer population, and the possible employment of  someone from the local community.

The meeting was highly productive, with Mr Lamont and Mr Bain providing full details on all the issues to the satisfaction of the FDF Committee Members attending. The contract is being issued to a qualified local person on a trial basis from 1 October until the end of March 2006. At the end of this trial period, it will be decided if contracting out is the best way forward.  Assurances were given that the high standards currently being met will continue.  FDF will be reviewing the risk assessment, cull details, contract terms and qualifications of the applicant in the coming weeks.

Mr Lamont expressed his willingness to have a site meeting with members and locals to explain the FCS deer management policy and to provide a tour of the state-of-the-art deer larder what was recently built at Kirkton of Durris. A date sometime during the last week of November was suggested.  If anyone has any questions or concerns about deer management or is interested in meeting with Mr Lamont in November, please contact one of the FDF Committee members 

 Felling of Beech Trees

FDF is currently in disagreement with Forestry Commission Scotland regarding the felling of beech trees.  This issue came to the fore with the felling of mature beech trees at Pitcowdens.  Through an oversight on the part of FCS, this was not discussed with FDF prior to a contract being issued for the timber, which was sold for firewood  At that point in time, we insisted that there be no further felling of beech without prior consultation with FDF. 

FCS subsequently proposed felling beech trees at Balloch Wood.  FCS intended to fell all the beech there in an attempt to stop the spread of grey squirrels. This was not the reason for felling of the Pitcowdens trees.  It was pointed out that grey squirrels were already in areas beyond Balloch, so it would be futile to fell the trees and would destroy a valuable habitat for other species.  The proposed harvesting at Balloch proceeded, but the beech trees were not felled. Nevertheless the new District Manager has expressed his commitment to felling these trees.  FDF has requested FCS to provide them with justification for this and requested that they produce any scientific evidence they have that has convinced them that this policy would have any real effect on the grey squirrel population. To date nothing has been received, but FCS has agreed to a further site visit.  If any of you have views on this, please contact one of the FDF Committee members or the local FCS office.

Sporting activities in and around Durris Forest:

The tremendous resources of the forest tracks, paths, hills and wide open spaces within the Durris Forest area continue to attract outdoor sporting activities. In addition to organized horse riding events, recent events included parts of the Drumtochty Challenge Mountain Bike event and the running element of a new Triathlon based at Knockburn Loch. Other sports, including establishing a field archery range are currently under review.

Any comment on these or possible other activities is welcome – just contact a member of the Board, details below.

Picture puzzle 2

“Name that Tree”, from the shape and leaf shown here.