Friends of Durris Forests - Newsletter 10   -   February 2002

Off Road Driving Moves On

No more off road driving in Durris Forest!

Forest Enterprise eventually arranged the removal of the Land Rover Highland Experience operation on 23 December 2001.

The warning and advertising signs have now been removed from the forest, which can now return to its normal ‘FREE’ uses – forestry, recreation, environment, education. We understand that the ‘base’ at Kirkton will no longer be used. We are discussing reinstatement with Forest Enterprise.

Charitable Status

FDF has been registered as a charity. It now has various financial advantages, and is better positioned to obtain grant aid. We are now applying for corporate status. The FDF Committee is working toward a partnership agreement with Forest Enterprise for the co-management of the Durris forests. Charitable and corporate status are a requirement for entering into such an agreement.

Gales

No, it is not illicit tree felling - but merely the result of windy nights on Monday 28 February and thereafter. 35,000 tonnes of timber have been blown down in the whole district, equivalent to six months harvesting! Durris and Fetteresso have suffered more than the forests further west. It will take a while to clear up the damage, and windblow tends to leave a face vulnerable to further damage.

 Meantime recognised paths will be cleared as quickly as possible. Forest Enterprise is aware of fallen trees in Ashentilly Wood, and those in Brachmont Wood have already been cleared. If you know of any other routes blocked, please advise Forest Enterprise on 01330-844537 with an O.S. map reference.

Sponsored Horse Ride

On 14 April, FDF will hold a social horse ride in partnership with the British Horse Society. The ride will start from Bogenraith Farm, where there will be parking for horse boxes, thanks to support from Noel Crozier. The route through Durris Forest will be about 10 miles.

The route will include the paths near Pitcowdens recently cleared by the FDF horse-riders group. Riders are invited to collect sponsorship to be divided between BHS Access and the Equine Grass Sickness Research Fund.

Riders should contact Philippa or Molly in advance for application forms. There will be a small charge of £5 to cover insurance and other costs.

Elsick Mounth

There will be a walk over the Elsick Mounth waymarked route from Durris to Rickarton on Easter Sunday, 31 March 2002, in partnership with Grampian Ramblers. There is an opportunity of bus transport from Aberdeen to the start and back from Rickarton.             [Please contact Alison for details]

Forest Volunteers

Two more activity days are planned, to cut out self-seeded sitka from hardwood plantings: on Sunday March 24th and Sunday May 26th. Meet at 10.00 a.m. at the Brachmont entrance to Durris Forest [OS map ref: NO807945]. We will attempt to complete clearing the area we started last October.

Bring along hand tools such as loppers and bow saw and protective clothing such as boots, gloves and waterproofs. The experience of last time (see photos...) suggests that we should aim to spend two to three hours on the job, but of course anyone is free to come and go as they please. Bring whatever refreshment you prefer.             [Contact: Philip]

FDF Website

See the FDF website for the latest about Durris Forest and the outlying woods, our alternative plan, photos of environmental impact of off road driving:

www.friendsofdurrisforests.co.uk Check out the activities planned for 2002 and all the latest news.

Old Bridge of Sheeoch

We are working with Aberdeenshire Council, Forest Enterprise, Historic Scotland and Dunecht Estates to restore the fine old bridge at Kirkton of Durris. The bridge is a listed building, but has been sadly neglected. It is now in a dangerous state, with tree roots growing into the structure and parapet stanes have been dislodged into the burn.

A structural engineer has carried out a survey. The report, together with a photo-survey, has been passed to Historic Scotland. There is plenty of enthusiasm for this project amongst the partners, so we are optimistic that there will be progress. Meantime members are asked to take care owing to the state of the structure.

Story Trail

Deeside Storytellers will be working with the children of Durris School in the summer term on locally based stories. The children will research and create stories, drawing on history and myth from the area.  If anyone has any information about local history, e.g. about the traditional midsummer fire or the curling rink in Woodlands, please contact any committee member.

From the stories we will create a story trail in the woods - others will be able to follow the signs telling the story. A number of sites are under consideration: in Clune, Woodlands, & Kirkton Woods and by Pitcowdens.

A festivity for adults and children is planned to celebrate the summer solstice and the opening of the story trail on midsummers day,  21 June 2002. We would welcome help in organising this event.

The project is aided by a grant from Awards for All, a lottery funded organisation.

Forest Gates

Access gates into the forest should normally be kept closed. Occasionally contractors leave gates open. Members are asked to close gates found open.

Kirkton Trail

A volunteer day is planned for 18 May to clear the new path at Kirkton Wood. The path is a simple environmental trail that links the old bridge to other viewpoints over the Sheeoch. In a modest way, it opens up new opportunities for access in this well used woodland.

FDF Newsletter

The FDF Committee has decided to continue to fund the printing of the FDF newsletter as part of the Drumoak and Durris Community Newsletter. The Newsletter is posted to members outwith the parish. To save the considerable expense, a further copy will not normally be sent to members who should already receive the Community Newsletter.

 Thanks to the Newsletter and the parish distribution team for their support.

If you find the FDF Newsletter interesting, why not join FDF?

Treefest

A wide range of activities in forests across the UK have been arranged under the banner of Treefest. The events can be found at the website www.treefestscotland2002.org.uk