Action needed for the fallen trees of Storm Arwen

Dear Ms Gougeon, –

Storm Arwen has devastated many woodlands in Glenisla district. This should by now have been taken onboard by Scottish Forestry (SF) and politicians responsible for forestry in Scotland.

So far, there has been very little publicity, or acknowledgement of this disaster. Woodland owners are now required to seek SF permission to deal with wind blow, except on roads, paths and danger areas. This is a fairly recent requirement, requiring paperwork to get operations started.

Contractors are eager to get the go ahead to harvest this fallen timber as fresh as possible before it starts to deteriorate and discolour, resulting in the overall quality grade being reduced. How long will this permission take to allow the woodland owner to proceed, especially when it seems to take many months to get a plan (currently between 6-8 months minimum) of operations approved?

On a personal level, the woodlands around Auchentaple Loch have suffered enough damage to warrant a clearfell. This area had become a well known tourist walking route and highly photographed beauty spot, which includes part of the Cateran Trail and the Cateran Yomp (ABF Army Benevolent Fund, or Soldiers Charity).

Storm Arwen hit just after dark on Friday, November 26, 2021, and judging by the force of the gusts – recorded nearby at speeds of 123 miles an hour – 'The Harvest' would have happened in just over 30 minutes. Some of the areas were completely flattened, others heavily or lightly thinned.

Most of the woodland comprised of Scots pine and larch, all brashed and pruned to 12 feet or more. Having been carefully thinned over the years and as mentioned earlier, encouraged and appreciated by many visiting campers, ramblers and artists of all sorts, as well as the regular comments made by many, as to how well kept / managed the areas were.

Most of the Scots pine were destined for long term retention. They have mostly gone. Perimeter fences have either been flattened or uprooted in places.

This storm came on a north, north-east gale carrying snow with it. A tree killer in this locality! Which would match the 1953 gale which devastated Deeside.

In 1953, there were virtually no woods here. A planting programme of approximately 300 acres began in 1959, and these are now the casualties. These woods were a subject of beauty and pride!

Compulsory re-planting with sitka spruce, although 'economically' desirable these will never replace what has been lost.They can be damaging to the ecosystem, wildlife, acidity, not forgetting the mess left behind after felling and the time it takes to rot or decompose if not mounded or burnt, bearing in mind the costs involved in bringing in organisations to do clear up, whether it be for chipping or merely tidying before re-planting.

In 1953, there was a compensation fund, which was distributed to losers of woodland, which I think was called the Lord Mayor's Fund. What I think we should seek now is compensation, possibly in the form of enhanced re-stocking grants, up to the level of grants paid on virgin land enclosed for forestry.

This could compensate for reduced timber value, re-fencing, possible road making, loss of biodiversity and amenity. Where does carbon loss fit into all of this?

Major John Gibb, Glenisla.

Copies sent to: Scottish Farmer, Scottish NFU, Scottish Woodlands, Royal Scottish Forestry Society, The Field Magazine, The Courier.