DUNNET FOREST UPDATE - Autumn Newsletter 2009

19th October 2009

DUNNET FOREST UPDATE
Autumn Newsletter 2009

At the AGM in May, the two longest serving directors stood down from office by rotation, but being eligible to stand again did so and were returned unopposed. This meant that the Board of Directors remained as it was.

Annually, Dounreay first year apprentices spend a week working in the forest with the forester. Again they were on site for one week implementing the UKAEA's logo -"Restoring the Environment". Last September they supplied two people counters which were made as a special summer project. Since installation a year ago the visitor numbers recorded is in excess of 45,000. Obviously the forest is a very popular place. Recently DFT received a cheque for £1000 from the Dounreay Community fund and is most grateful for this generous local support.

The first five year management plan was completed last year. The new plan has eventually been accepted by SNH but their financial support has been withdrawn. Obviously the owners are not so enthusiastic about Dunnet forest as is the Caithness public. What DFT is doing seems to tick all the boxes in relation to SNH's own published code of practice. However, SNH' s funding policy has changed and DFT is expected to manage with SRDP funding which falls short of what is required to fully implement the new plan. Our chairwoman, Jean Barnett, is assiduously seeking alternative funding to implement this next five year plan.
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A successful course in drystone-dyking was held in May. Eleven enthusiasts learned the elements of dyking from local expert George Gunn. Keeping this old skill alive further enhances the carpark entrance.

Ann Begg, the local dog warden, was on site a few days before the Open Day to encourage good practice by dog walkers.

A Forest Open Day - a family fun day -- was held on 8 August. Over six hundred people enjoyed a brilliant day in the forest. There was much to entertain the young people and their elders. It was a good example of community effort. DFT is grateful for the support of the local musicians, Clapshot, who played such lovely music all afternoon welcoming folks as they arrived. Thanks also to the HC Rangers, to George and Nan Bethune who entertained with their storytelling, to He-haw Donkeys, to Mick Barnett for his demonstration of wood turning, to Don Clarkson for his encouraging youngsters to try the pole lathe, to Peter Bowsher for coming so far to demonstrate his wonderful skills at chainsaw carving, to Stuart Bond and Lynn Hobson for their popular facepainting, to Ann Bertram for her catering skills, to Mike Potts and SCRAP advising on protecting the environment, to Britannia Hall Committee for its marquee and stalls, to Jimmy Swanson and John Henderson for transport, to all the ladies who baked for the baking stall and provided plants, and finally to all who came to the forest on the day to make the afternoon the success it so obviously was. Feedback was very positive and encouraging. The day gave an opportunity to let people know what is happening, to make them aware of the difficulties faced by the Trust with the withdrawal of financial support by SNH, the owners. DFT is particularly grateful for the support of the Highland Council Culture Programme in assisting with financing both the dyking course and the Open Day.

Because of the difficulties being encountered re new funding it will be helpful to encourage volunteers willing to assist with various tasks which need to be done throughout the year. Any one who feels able to help with tree planting, path maintenance, removing shelterguards from established young trees, ditching, or seed gathering for nursery should give their name to Andrea Sinclair, Forest Administrator, Dunnet Forestry Trust, Castlehill Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, Castletown. It will be helpful to indicate what times one may be available.

Planting is normally done in November and February. November is beating up time when the previous year's failed plantings are restocked. February is normally the regular new stock planting. Currently seeds are being collected for new stock being grown in the nursery areas. It is important to get stock of local provenance or from as near to Caithness as possible. Many conifers have regenerated within the forest and can readily be transplanted so we are only seeking broadleaved species which have been proven to do well in Dunnet. Some like rowan, sycamore, alder and ash can be found within the forest but it is necessary to go further afield to get hawthorn, hazel, horse chestnut, beech, oak or aspen Last year an area of various willows was established with a view to producing different coloured willow for basket work. We now look to extend this by adding any new varieties from cuttings which may be available.

Seeds from trees have been collected for sowing. Varieties which are of good local provenance have been gathered. Others such as hazel and oak will be harvested as soon as they ripen.

Dounreay apprentices wish to have a building project designed for next year. They propose some kind of roofed and possibly walled wooden structure be erected within the forest. Such a project will be a lasting and tangible demonstration of the Dounreay apprentices' continuing commitment to "restoring the environment" within the community A very generous donation towards this aim has been made by Nettie Ward who says she has derived much pleasure from the forest since she came to live in Dunnet. She likes the idea that young people will be able to use such a shelter to learn more about the forest environs and wildlife. Detailed plans will need to be discussed with the apprentices and their trainers. The Trust is grateful for this generous and encouraging gesture which will further enhance facilities within the forest.

The Trust plans to have a few modestly priced Christmas trees for sale this year. Any member who might wish to purchase a tree should let the office know before the end of October so that the requisite number of trees may be identified for cutting nearer to the festive season. Purchasers will know that they are supporting the work of the Trust which is non profit making with all monies being reinvested within the forest

Any member who is on e-mail should please send their e-mail address to the Trust if they have not already done so. This will facilitate the issuing of information to members and be financially beneficial to DFT.

Web site www.dunnetforest.org

DUNNET FORESTRY TRUST,
CASTLEHILL HERITAGE CENTRE,
CASTLETOWN
KW14 8TG