Over the past few months, the CCDT and TreeStory have been busy making preparations for the upcoming felling of the Dark Woods this autumn/winter. Please see our previous post here on the background behind this project.
Preparatory Work : Preparation this summer has included applying for felling permissions and protected species licenses, speaking with neighbours and the wider community, and sharing updates through signs around the woods and online.
TreeStory have carried out ecological surveys as part of the pre-harvesting planning, which have revealed signs of red squirrel and potential badger activity, wonderful reminders of the wildlife that call Gillies Hill home. As a result, we have adapted our plans to make sure these species are protected, and are also liaising with NatureScot to plan the works around their breeding seasons.
TreeStory have also discussed heritage features on site with Stirling Council’s Archaeologist Murray Cook, recognising its importance as a place of historical interest. Their survey helped us identify areas of archaeological interest, which will be carefully protected and given plenty of space (buffered) during the works.
Ash Dieback Thinning : We have also slightly expanded the scope of works to include the selective thinning of an adjacent area of woodland affected by ash dieback (in the area east of the cemetery). This approach is intended to make use of the machinery on site to safety carry out this work, avoiding the need for dangerous hand felling of dead ash trees by our volunteers, and ensuring the woods remains safe for all woodland users.
Contractor Tendering : Finally, TreeStory have recently undertaken a tendering process to find a suitable harvesting contractor to carry out the felling works in a responsible and sensitive manner, and safely clear the site ready for our community-led replanting project.
We are pleased to confirm we have now selected a preferred contractor, and will be finalising the operational plans and programme for the works over the coming weeks. We’re hopeful that felling works will commence this autumn.