Following clearing of the brash by FCWT Volunteers, replanting has now started in the border areas adjacent to Sanquhar and Mannachie that were cleared over a year ago to allay continuing concerns over safety due to the proximity of the trees to housing.
The replanting follows the advice of forestry experts and complies with government regulations and should provide a satisfactory solution for the neighbouring residents.
If the area were left unplanted or thinly planted we would not only contravene government regulations but we would leave it open to be invaded by unwanted species.
Laurel, for example, is already spreading in that area and In a few years the whole area would be smothered by it. Government regulations stipulate that every felled tree has to be replaced by 3 new trees on the assumption that only one in three will reach maturity.
The FCWT are planting seven different species of native trees. These are wild cherry, crab apple, hawthorn, dog rose, rowan, hazel, and birch.
None of these will grow anywhere near as tall as the ones which were removed, except for the birch and they will be planted furthest away from the houses. In a few years time the whole area should present a much more pleasing aspect and will provide much greater biodiversity to enhance the wildlife and birds.