Dangerous Tree Removed from Locherwood
On the 24/04/12 whilst installing new waymarker posts in Locherwood the Estate Team and Countryside Office staff noticed that a dead tree located beside one of the paths that was showing signs of decay and cracks were present in the upper branches.
The Clyde Muirshiel Estate Team again surveyed the tree while working in Locherwood on 16/05/12; they discovered that further cracks were appearing in the upper branches. The decay had made the tree structurally unsound and due to the tree’s proximity to the path the estate team recommended that the tree should be felled in the interest of health and safety. Permission to fell the tree was granted and it was decided to remove the tree on the morning of 17/05/12.
Before work on the tree commenced the tree was surveyed for presence of birds and bats with no signs being recorded. At the site the trail was closed and tree felling signs were placed at all access points leading to the area where work was taking place; in addition hazard tape was placed across paths and a lookout was positioned to prevent members of the public accessing the area. The tree was felled using a winch/rope system to control fall and the tree was left in situ as lying dead wood habitat. Dead wood is particularly valuable when left to become homes and food for insects and grubs, recycling all the natural material back into the ecosystem.
This is an example of some of the unseen work that goes on in the Regional Park to include the public’s safety at all times. All of our staff are well trained and very diligent -in this case spotting the tree before it became a problem. If you see any tree in the Park that concerns you please play your part and report examples either by phone to Park Headquarters Barnbrock Farm (01505 614 791) or email us via info@clydemuirshiel.co.uk.
Thank you for your help in keeping the Park safe for all users.
