Trust bemoans the destruction of Monikie woodland haven

The Woodland Trust has described the destruction of trees and wildlife habitat at Monikie as “especially tragic”.

Residents complained that a unique wet woodland was being destroyed by contractors working for the site’s new landowners.

Forestry Commission Scotland quickly put the brakes on the felling and has now launched an investigation.

The Scottish Government and Angus Council are also closely monitoring the situation at what has been described as a “valuable wildlife site” which is a haven for toads, frogs, newts, red squirrels and bats.

The land – formerly a curling pond owned by the Earls of Dalhousie – was recently put up for sale for £10,000.

It was described as having the potential to incorporate a building plot to create a substantial family home, subject to the appropriate consents.

It is understood the new owners are Avancan Property Management and Development Limited, who until recently were based in Dunfermline, but whose registered office is now in Stevenston.

George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said his teams would be advising locals. “This situation highlights the problems there can be in protecting woods and trees from inappropriate development,” he said.

“It would appear that valued trees and wildlife features may have been sacrificed ahead of a potential development with little chance of going ahead, so this is especially tragic.

“We know that an application for a tree preservation order was unsuccessful but are examining the possibility of making our own application to guard against further activity.” Forfar Probus Club welcomed Colin Vincent who gave an illustrated talk on the Flannen Isles mystery.

The mystery involves the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers which will reach the big screen later this year when Gerard Butler stars in Keepers.

Colin illustrated his talk with slides of the island and photographs of those involved.

From left: Ian Whitton, Cliff Brown and Colin Vincent.