Plans to fell trees in castle woodland
More than 50 trees have been earmarked for removal in woodland which surrounds historic Doune Castle.
Historic Environment Scotland have submitted a planning application for tree management – part of a 10-year management plan – which includes tree safety works.
The trees, which had been identified in a Tree Hazard Management Report dated April 2022, also include 18 trees earmarked for remedial work as well as monitoring of around a further 180 trees.
The planned work also comprises planting more than 150 trees.
The majority of trees earmarked for removal at the castle woodlands include ash trees, many of which have signs of advanced ash dieback.
Other species include beech, sycamore and chestnut.
The HES ‘application for Works to Trees Protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or in a Conservation Area’ states:
‘Application for works as described in year one and part of year two within the Doune Castle Woodland Management Plan, approved by Scottish Forestry.
‘Please see the attached Doune Castle Tender for Tree Felling, Thinning and Planting works for detailed description of the proposed works planned to be undertaken before April 2023.
‘The proposed works incorporate tree safety works as recommended in the 2022 Tree Hazard Management Report for Doune Castle.
‘Please note that tree safety works required will be incorporated into the thinning quotas for each applicable compartment.’
The HES application further points out that ‘it is proposed that 154 [trees] will be planted as part of the proposals within this phase’ as well as ‘mixed native broadleaved species including 14 specimen feathered standards as parkland planting.’
Trees requiring remedial work include elm. alder, sycamore, sweet chestnut, gean, lime, beech and oak.
The area covered by the Tree Hazard Management Report of April 2022 extends along the north bank of the Teith near Bridge of Teith to where the Ardoch Burn meets the river, as well as the castle surroundings up to the cricket club boundary and Castle Road. A separate application to remove deadwood from four oak trees for health and safety reasons has also been submitted to the council.