Home   News   Article

Highland volunteers sought to protect endangered ancient trees





Enjoing the superb cycle trails at Glenlivet
Enjoing the superb cycle trails at Glenlivet

Volunteers are being sought in the Highlands to spot planning applications which will harm ancient woodlands.

The campaign has been launched by Woodland Trust Scotland.

It is recruiting volunteers to detect developments which could end in the destruction of individually significant trees as well as woodlands.

The trust’s George Anderson said: "Wherever ancient woods and trees are under threat we step up to defend them. We are very efficient at mobilizing once we know about a threat – but we need help to spot them first.

"It is no good if we only hear about a damaging proposal after councillors have voted to approve it. The Trust needs people around the country to be our eyes and ears on the ground."

The Trust currently has 12 volunteer threat detectors in Scotland but wants to add a further 10.

"Most are based in the central belt, but we want to hear from people in any part of the country. We are particularly keen to find Threat Detectors for Highland, Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Borders."

Two recent cases at opposite ends of the country highlighted the importance of alert tree champions, Mr Anderson said.

"In Inverness a row of 100-year-old oak trees faced the axe as part of road works. It was only when a local resident spotted the detail in planning papers and began protesting that Woodland Trust Scotland was alerted to the threat. Transport Scotland agreed to modify its plans to save most of the trees, following a vigorous campaign by local people backed by the Trust.

A planning application to establish a poultry unit in East Lothian was turned down by councillors after Woodland Trust Scotland mobilized its supporters in the area.

"We have to make sure we are not missing proposals like this until it is too late," he stressed.

"That is why we want to nearly double our network of threat detectors who can monitor council planning applications. Then where a threat is identified they can help us gather evidence and motivate others in the area to speak out.

"Volunteer Threat Detectors will be at the forefront of protecting our dwindling ancient woodlands from further losses. It is very satisfying work and training will be given."

Further details of the volunteer roles and how to apply can be found on the Woodland Trust website.

In Scotland woods that have been under tree cover since 1750 are regarded as ancient. It is impossible to replace them by planting new areas with trees, because they have developed soils, plant and animal communities over centuries.

The Highlands are home to significant ancient pine woodlands and rare Atlantic oakwoods in particular.

George Anderson said: "We are not against development, but once these woodlands are gone they are gone. We want to make sure their importance is always taken into account in the planning process."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More