The FCWT Board of Trustees have written the residents living close to the Sanquhar Woodlands seeking their assistance to pay for the replacement of the cleared trees.
As you will be aware, the felling work has now been completed. Most of the trees have been removed by the contractor and most of the branches will be left lying to decay naturally.
We have been contacted by a number of residents, and the overall consensus is very much in favour of the work that has been carried out. Residents are already experiencing much more light in their properties and improved growth in their gardens.
Given the very exceptional storms that we have experienced of late, and the large number of trees which have blown over in the area, residents have expressed relief that we have now created a “safety boundary” and have thanked us for carrying out the felling.
We hope to re-plant the area later in the year with suitable native shrubs and small trees. Hopefully this will enhance the area and provide habitats for native flora and fauna. This should offer a long term benefit to your outlook.
The felling operation has incurred a considerable cost to the Trust although some of it has been reimbursed by the sale of the timber harvested. Some householders in the vicinity of the area where the felling took take place have already made generous contributions towards the cost for which the Board is most grateful.
Can I now appeal to you as a local resident who has hopefully benefited from the work that has been carried out, to consider making a donation towards the cost of replanting, which will include the cost of purchasing trees, shrubs, stakes and protectors.
FCWT is a charity, we have no regular income, and all the replanting work will be done by volunteers.
We very much appreciate any contribution you can make, which will allow us to continue with our work and with the maintenance of the woods.
Cheques should be made payable to: The Forres Community Woodland Trust, and sent to or leave at The Hub, 20 Tolbooth St, Forres IV36 1PB.