Co-op donation helps Roots of Arran community woodland
Many a walker will be familiar with the Roots of Arran community woodland between Brodick and Lamlash.
It is looked after during monthly volunteer days when invasive rhododendron is cleared and paths are kept open.
Roots of Arran Community Woodland is a local conservation charity which looks after this piece of woodland in a formal agreement with Arran Forestry Commission.
The native tree species that the group’s volunteers planted up, including rowan, blackthorn and elder, are growing profusely in amongst the naturally regenerating birch. It is quite a contrast to the bare, stump-strewn clearfell land that it once was 20 years ago.
Chairman Keith Robertson said: ‘It’s been a quieter than usual year with the lockdown and we are looking forward to running the volunteer days again and welcoming anyone to come along.
‘Held on the second Sunday of the month at 10.30am, the meeting point is at the viewpoint car park between Brodick and Lamlash. Last year we replaced five apple trees in the orchard and Mike Bailey, our resident artist, continues to look after his hidden spiral maze near the ancient beech trees.
‘This year we will do our round of maintenance tasks which includes removing excess reeds from the pond and brambles and gorse encroaching on paths. The woodland is now a haven for wildlife with numerous birds such as flocks of long-tailed tits and different varieties of dragonfly flitting about.
‘Children can have a great time building dens in the woodland and learning about nature. There is usually a lot of frogspawn in spring, different kinds of beetles easily spotted crawling across the paths and some fascinating fungi to behold in the autumn.’
Treasurer Juliette Walsh added: ‘A grant from the Coop for £250 will cover the cost of more loppers which are the tool of choice when is comes to maintenance tasks. The last batch was bought in 2014 and some have lasted well, while others have cracked beyond repair.’