Islanders’ views sought on future management of Merkland Forest
Residents living in and around Brodick are being asked to give their views on how Merkland Forest should be managed over the next 10 years.
Merkland Forest (681ha), on the southern and eastern slopes of Goatfell, is a productive conifer forest that provides a backdrop to Brodick and is a major landscape feature in the view from the ferry on arrival to the island.
The new Land Management Plan outlines the Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) focus over the next 10 years, which will mainly be on sustainable timber production balanced with public access and other objectives.
A drop-in session to explain the plan and hear people’s views will be held at Brodick Hall on Wednesday June 28 from 1pm to 5pm.
FLS planning forester Andrew Hutchinson said:
“Looking after a forest like Merkland requires a long-term plan that tries to balance a wide range of outcomes.
“As well as ensuring the forest continues to be a productive source of sustainable timber, we also take into account it is a popular recreational area with many local people and for visitors to the island.
“And there are landscape considerations as well as tree health issues with the larch tree disease Phytophthora ramorum across the island, biodiversity and habitat management elements including deer control that all have to be taken into account.
“It’s a complex process and we would like to explain what we are planning, answer any questions people might have and listen to ideas and suggestions on our proposals.
“We’re looking forward to meeting people, but anyone who can’t make it along to the drop-in session can find out more and leave their views online.”