Forestry plan seeks public feedback

A NATURE trail for people with disabilities was just one of the ideas put forward at a public consultation about the future for forests around Taynuilt.

Other suggestions put forward at the one-day land management event hosted last week by the Forestry Commissionore, included more signs and recreational routes to help people get even more leisure use from the forests at Fearnoch, Inverawe and Glen Nant.

The early-doors consultation at Taynuilt Village Hall, marking the start of a major consultation to create a new, 10-year plan for the forests, attracted a good turnout of residents.

All three forests are mainly commercial conifer forests with some attraction for recreation seekers.

Glen Nant is a native woodland recognised as a site of special scientific interest, while Inverawe – planted by English landscape architect Dame Sylvia Crowe – on the western slope of Beinn Cruachan is highly visible. The other forest in Glen Lonan forms part of a public water supply catchment. The main goals of the new plan include commercial conifer timber production, restoration of ancient woodland sites, landscape reappraisal and protection of designated features.

People at the consultation on Wednesday April 18 looked at maps of the forests and talked with foresters, including planning manager Donald McNeill.

Residents also sought assurance their water sources through the forested areas would be protected.

All the ideas and views from locals, as well as feedback from other stakeholders, including Argyll and Bute Council, community councils and industry, will be put into a draft of the new plan which will then go back out to the public for another consultation round before going forward for final approval from Forestry Commission chiefs.

It should be ready by the end of this autumn, said Mr McNeill.

It will replace a previous 10-year plan and will be reviewed again in five years.

‘People want to know what’s happening in their forests. What trees are going to be felled and when. A lot of people are interested in the natural woodland.

‘The plan is about striking a balance between production and landscaping, and meeting our conserve and social objectives,’ added Mr McNeill.

Community council chairman David Sloss said: ‘It’s a massive estate the Forestry Commission has and they could do more to encourage more access to it.

‘One thing that’s not been done is a trail where people with mobility issues could follow. More signs with more information would also be good.’

He added: ‘The good thing with the Forestry Commission is that they are community-minded.

‘We welcome the fact they are looking for our opinion.’