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News Update

Work Gathers Pace at Aline Community Woodland

The first phase of woodland restructuring is now in full flow at Aline Community Woodland. Work has started on four fronts with deer fencing, tree felling (See Figure 1,2&3.), path building and road construction all underway.  At present the project is employing 14 forest workers in the following areas:

  • Fencing – 4 persons
  • Chainsaw Operators – 5 Persons
  • Boardwalk Construction – 5 Persons (Western Isles Rural Opportunities Project, WIRO)
Figure 1. David McLean, snedding and cross cutting 40 year old Lodgepole pine.
Figure 1. David McLean, snedding and cross cutting 40 year old Lodgepole pine.
Figure 2. Clear felled Lodge pole pine on the north bank of Abhainn Ruadh, with native Downy birch left to regenerate
Figure 2. Clear felled Lodge pole pine on the north bank of Abhainn Ruadh, with native Downy birch left to regenerate
Figure 3. A fit lean tree felling machine!
Figure 3. A fit lean tree felling machine!

In addition to the above Duncan Mackay (Contractors) are also constructing an access road and bridge across Abhainn Ruadh, in order to allow extraction of felled timber. The next phase of work will consist of restocking felled areas in the southern block, construction of a floating boardwalk on Loch na h-Aibhne Ruaidhe and removal of dead Lodgepole pine on Cleit an Rathaid.

 

First Western Isles SFGS scheme to be planted using trees grown from seed in Lewis.

Woodland establishment work is now complete on a riparian restoration scheme on the banks of Abhainn Ghlas, Leurbost, Isle of Lewis (See Figure 4.). The project is part of ongoing woodland creation by Liz Middlemiss and Brendon Harty on their croft at No. 1 Leurbost, which now boasts the first tree specific nursery to produce tree stock from native species sourced in the Western Isles.

Brendon and Liz are using a cell system (See Figures 5 & 6.) for establishing seed as this suits the soil conditions in Leurbost, which are not suitable for the production of bare rooted stock.               

The cell system also makes the trees more robust and less prone to planting shock, whilst also extending their planting season into May, a full month longer than bare rooted stock which have to be planted by the end of March. However, bare rooted stock are cheaper and easier to transport, and are lighter, enabling planters to carry more on site – so systems both have their advantages.

Figure 4. Hand mounding and deer fencing completed.
Figure 4. Hand mounding and deer fencing completed.
Figure 5. Brendon surveys the 25,000 native broadleaves he has produced for 2007. He intends to produce the same number for 2008, producing, Common alder, Downy birch, Hawthorn, Ash, and Blackthorn.
Figure 5. Brendon surveys the 25,000 native broadleaves he has produced for 2007. He intends to produce the same number for 2008, producing, Common alder, Downy birch, Hawthorn, Ash, and Blackthorn.
Figure 6. Common alder ready for planting. Note the root trainers on the cells, training the roots downward.
Figure 6. Common alder ready for planting. Note the root trainers on the cells, training the roots downward.
Ag Obair Còmhla Airson Nan Eilean - Working Together For The Western Isles