Dealing with Storm Damage in the Country Parks
As many residents of Angus will know, the country parks of Crombie, Monikie and Forfar Loch are still impacted with windblown trees restricting access to some areas due to by the unprecedented damage caused by Storm Arwen and the other storms of Winter 2021/22.
Work to clear paths has not yet been undertaken because of the demand for contractors and budget constraints, but it can now be confirmed that following the approval of Angus Council budgets for financial year 2023/24, plans are now in place to clear paths.
Work at Forfar loch will start shortly. However, due to the amount and nature of work required in Crombie and Monikie, this cannot start until the current nesting and breeding season is over, in Autumn 2023.
Cllr Julie Bell, Native Woodland, Amphibians, and Barn Owl Species Champion said; “We completely recognise that many people will be disappointed that access within all the country parks can’t be improved immediately, but our priority must be to the wildlife that these valuable native woodlands support.
“Windblown and dead trees play a vital role in the lifecycle and food chain of around 5,000 British species, approximately 40% of a woodland ecosystem. While some people may think deadwood is unsightly, if you look closer, you will find it is teeming with life and many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals forage, shelter and rear young in and around deadwood and old trees.”
Once the breeding season is over, phase one of the clearance at Crombie and Monikie will focus on removing parts of trees blocking access to paths, phase two will include some limited internal clearance of the woodland to allow some new planting of native species, although much of the fallen wood will be left to support biodiversity. This work will be carried out in adherence with the Tayside Local Biodiversity Plan which can be found on this link: Tayside Local Biodiversity Plan 2016-2026, and form part of the woodland development plans which are currently being drafted and will be open to public consultation in due course.
Cllr Serena Cowdy, Environment Spokesperson for Angus Council administration said, “Fallen trees provide such precious habitat for many of our native species. We must accept that very ‘tidy’ woodlands aren’t usually the most wildlife-friendly!
“Like Cllr Bell, I hope that visitors to the parks will appreciate that we cannot risk disturbing these delicate and sadly increasingly rare habitats, and I know that once people are more aware of the environmental benefits, they will understand the reasons for the delays.
“Angus Council is committed to protecting and preserving our environment, as demonstrated by our £1m budgetary commitment to environmental and low carbon initiatives.”
Ms Kirsty Hunter, Chief Executive of ANGUSalive, the trust which runs the county’s cultural, sport and leisure services, including the parks said, “We are pleased plans are in place to clear the paths at Forfar Loch and future works at Crombie and Monikie have been scheduled for later this year to protect and support local wildlife.
“Although Storm Arwen has resulted in some paths currently being inaccessible, our country parks remain open for visitors to enjoy these special outdoor spaces, as well as support their health and wellbeing. We would encourage everyone to visit these well-loved places safely by following the ANGUSalive signage on display in each location.
“Our Countryside Adventure team is ready to welcome you to take part in our fantastic land and water-based activities over the warmer months or why not join the charity as a volunteer to help look after your country parks throughout the year.”