Tree Safety to the fore at Harestanes
Friday, February 9 2007
Tree surgery work is about to get underway at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, near Jedburgh, to safeguard the wellbeing of visitors using the area’s popular network of woodland paths.
Trees which were planted around Harestanes over one hundred years ago are increasingly prone to storm damage as age takes its toll. Several mature trees and large branches have fallen onto paths over the past few years. With extreme weather predicted to increase in line with climate change, the likelihood of more damage is increasing. With over 15000 visitors a year using the most popular woodland paths, assessing and reducing potential tree hazards has become necessary.
During 2006, the Scottish Borders Council-run visitor centre, working with Lothian Estates’ Forestry Section, commissioned a report from the Council’s Tree Officer. The report showed that while there were only a few trees in danger of complete collapse, there were many more with large decayed branches posing a risk to people using the woodland paths. The trees identified in the safety report have also been surveyed for bat roosts by a licensed contractor and measures have been taken to avoid disturbing these vulnerable and highly-protected animals.
Over the coming weeks, qualified tree surgeons will work to reduce the hazards identified in the safety report. Due to the nature of the task, sections of paths will be closed from time to time, for the safety of visitors and contractors. Weather permiting, tree safety work should be completed by the middle of March.
Recognising the enormous value of dead wood for wildlife and fungi, much of the cut beech, oak and sycamore will be left to decay naturally. Increasing the amount of dead wood habitat is a 'key issue' in the Scottish Borders Habitat Action Plan for Wood Pasture and Parkland, where Lothian Estates is highlighted as an outstanding example of a designed wooded landscape.
“Finding the balance between public safety, visual impact and biodiversity isn’t always easy” said Centre Manager, Michael Scott. “When this work is finished, while the visual impact may be similar to that from a winter storm, the risk of falling debris will be reduced, and plenty of dead wood habitat will remain for specialised animals and fungi”.
“The woodland walks at Harestanes are a wonderful feature for both locals and visitors to enjoy,” says Head Forester for Lothian Estates, Peter Darling. “Many of the trees are over 100 years old and maturity is beginning to take its toll, particularly on the beech trees. Fortunately the woodlands at Harestanes are constantly regenerating and any trees removed will make space for younger ones to grow. Lothian Estates in conjunction with the Visitor Centre will also undertake a programme of replanting and respacing to ensure that the diversity of tree species at Harestanes are maintained for future generations to enjoy”.
The work will be carried out to British Standard BS3998: Tree Works by Wilson. G. Jamieson Fencing and Forestry from Galashiels.
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, Ancrum, Jedburgh, is part of Scottish Borders Council’s education & lifelong learning portfolio. The visitor centre has a Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award and 4-star quality grading from VisitScotland. For more information, telephone (01835) 830306, email: harestanes@scotborders.gov.uk or visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/harestanes.
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