Pitcowdens Project gathers pace

The summer has seen significant activity up at Pitcowdens where funds from both FDF (Breathing Spaces) and Forestry Commission Scotland are being used to develop the site at the old croft.

 The summary of our progress to date includes topics under the following ‘themes’:

Plants,  Animals and Environment

·         Wildflower planting by Durris School April 2009; meadow created.

·         Comment from FDF member following path-clearing work:

‘I have just had the most fabulous 3 hour walk with Durris School P3s, to Pitcowdens via Bruntyairds today.  Not only was it a glorious day but the wildlife was amazing.  I think we seriously need to consider leaving the bog area as it is and diverting the trail. We saw large red damselflies, golden-ringed dragonfly, grasshoppers, newts, numerous freshwater invertebrates and frogs.  I think this could be a very special little habitat.  We also saw quite a few common blue butterflies on the way to Pitcowdens after the cleared area, they seem to be attracted to birds-foot trefoil’.

(Subject to funds, there is a plan to build boardwalk over this area; currently consulting with FCS)

·         Tree planting by Durris School and FDF members including witch elm, and native species, November 2008, May 2009.

·         Selective tree thinning by FCS following FDF instructions, to improve habitat development.

·         Tree stump removal.

·         Septic tank removal.

·         Bulb planting planned for late 2009.

Community access and engagement:

·         All ability path and picnic area constructed by FCS.

·         Picnic tables to be installed, with one catering for wheelchair access.

·         Access paths from established FCS car parks have been identified, work completed on clearing where necessary, and signage in production.

·         Input from FDF members to the Aberdeenshire Core Paths Strategy and consultative process has resulted in a review  for linking the Kirkton of Durris community with Woodlands of Durris and the Pitcowdens site.

·         Extensive research has been undertaken by FDF directors on the history of the site, with consultation with many local residents and previous occupants of the Pitcowdens croft. As the site has revealed links back to sixteenth century, this has resulted in decisions to portray this history graphically and also via printed material.

·         Training on Bushcraft, Forest Schools, and first aid has been undertaken by FDF members, and sessions planned for onsite community training.

·         Pitcowdens site logo has been developed by Durris School and are being utilised on signage and displays.

·         Work parties consisting of FDF members and families have completed work on path clearing, making-safe old well on site and planning its renovation, identifying building layouts and position.

·         FDF members have taken on research into further funding sources for the project and future development opportunities for the breathing place.

·         Local dry stone waller being contracted to rebuild selected lengths of original dykes.

·         Local contractors have been engaged through FCS to provide the ground works completed to date.

Annual General Meeting

Kirkton Hall  7.30pm  26th November 2009

The latest progress at Pitcowdens will be provided at our AGM, all members and non members welcome. Our guest speaker will be Liz Holden who will tell us about the wide variety of fungi available in the Forest. Confirmation of AGM information will be displayed on the home page of the website www.friendsofdurrisforests.co.uk

Late news… felling operations: Starting early December felling will take place in Durris Forest near the Slug road entrance,  to last until February next year. Access to the entrance car park is likely to be severely restricted.

Friends Board 2009

If you have any suggestions, or would like to join the committee, please contact any committee member.   ((: 01330-…)

Mark Ansell (811371)

Julia Mackay (811576)      (Membership Officer)

Helen White (811435)

John Coyne (844787)     

James White (811756)