Friends of the Ochils Newsletter 18: Spring 2001
A few leafy matters
Deer, trees and fencing
It is a sad fact that deer like trees - to eat! There are large numbers of roe deer in the coniferous plantations around the Ochils, and any attempt to regenerate existing woodland or to create new native, broadleaf woodland is doomed to failure unless it is protected against deer. Deer fences are intrusive and, for those less agile, an obstacle to progress on the hill. Their impact can be minimised by dismantling the upper half, above the normal livestock fence height, once the trees are established - although a continuing programme of shooting the deer is necessary to avoid the regeneration stalling.
At the most recent FotO AGM a lady mentioned having seen small circular enclosures of normal livestock fence height within which regeneration was taking place. Such enclosures work because they are so small (3 or 4 metres across) that the deer do not jump in because they (apparently) fear they will hit the fence on the other side of the enclosure. Unfortunately such enclosures are expensive, requiring over 10 metres of fencing each to protect only a handful of trees.
Wood Hill
The Friends recently commented on the Woodland Trust's draft management plan for Wood Hill Wood. Its objectives are to maintain the place of the wood in the landscape, improve biodiversity (wildlife and vegetation) and maintain free public access. The Friends supported the intention to maintain the area as a wooded area while gradually changing the composition of the wood to reduce sitka spruce and include more native broadleaf species.
Most of the present trees were planted in the 1920s (14%), 1940s (36%) and 1970s (27%). Over time a more diverse age structure will be developed. Control of invasive rhododendron will also be undertaken to encourage a more diverse ground flora and shrub layer. The gradation from dense woodland through scattered trees to the open hill will be maintained and historic features in Silver Glen safeguarded.
Glen Quey woodland proposals
Major proposals for the development of native woodland on the north of Glen Quey have been submitted on behalf of the present owner. If grant aid is approved by the Forestry Commission, the land will be bought and planted by the Woodland Trust. The site lies north-west of the footpath through Glen Quey, rising to the summit of Innerdownie and towards Whitewisp. Of the 383 hectares, 76 will remain as open ground, mainly along the burns and the summit ridges. The aim is to improve the long term conservation, amenity and environmental value of the area, through the establishment of a native broadleaf woodland with full public access.
The proposal is for the bulk of the hill to be planted with upland oak/birch and alder/ash woodland, with a wide range of other trees and shrubs too (eg gean, holly, rowan, blackthorn). Over half of all the trees will be birch and one sixth oak. Initially the entire area will be deer-fenced, with access gates and stiles on the main routes. The fence will be reduced in height once the woodland is established, after 10 years or so.
The woodland will be managed for its conservation value and there will be no felling or regular lines. It will be very different to the dense conifer plantations nearby. In particular, the planting will thin out on the upper slopes in an attempt to give a "natural" ragged tree line.
This proposal has been considered in detail by the FotO forestry subcommittee. While broadly supportive, we have raised a number of concerns that we hope will improve the proposal. These relate to the landscape impact and to access.
The landscape impact of poorly sited woodland can be substantial, even in distant views. The conifer plantation west of Maiden's Well and the high planting line on the northern slopes of Innerdownie, both adjacent to the present site, are clear examples of this. We are concerned that some of the proposed woodland is too high and will appear on skyline views. The proposed high treeline (610m, 2000ft) on the north-east shoulder of Whitewisp should be drawn back to avoid making the skyline effect of the present conifers even worse.
We have emphasised the importance of keeping the necessary deer fencing away from the path through Glen Quey and off the Innerdownie-Whitewisp summit ridge. These are both popular routes and must be maintained as open walks with open views. The deer fencing will have stiles and/or gates where they cross these popular routes. As well as the main routes already referred to, there will be two internal routes, on dry ridge lines, left open between the glen path and the high ridge. The start of these would be marked by discreet posts. On the Glenquey Hill route on to Innerdownie, the proposal would see planting to around 580m (1900ft) in height. We have very strongly put the view that the ridge line should be open above 450m (1500ft).
In the present parlous state of farming, many landowners are looking to forestry as an alternative use for their land. We are pleased that the proposals for Glen Quey are for a native broadleaf woodland and not for a commercial conifer plantation. The present landowner is to be congratulated for this, and the Woodland Trust is a reputable organisation with a track record of responsible woodland management with open public access. This corner of the Ochils could do worse.
Nonetheless, most of us are used to the open spaces and our comments on the proposal try to steer a sensible course between maintaining that sense of openness on the main routes and improving the ecology of a currently barren hillside.
David Gordon
Dave Hewitt adds: Mention of the Woodland Trust links with the ongoing foot and mouth outbreak, as the WT kept Wood Hill wood closed until shortly before we went to press (it was finally reopened for Easter), even though the Executive's Comeback Code had been issued back on 23 March. This appeared to be part of a blanket WT policy, and highlighted the question of how the woodland and hill closures in the Ochils have been handled. Are FotO members happy about the severe restrictions imposed, even though the nearest outbreak is many miles away and when the open-grazing Sheriffmuir road has remained open to traffic throughout? Write to FotO and let us know your thoughts.