Several Clydebelt members met with Stuart Chalmers, District Forester for the Scottish Lowlands and Matt Buckland, Beat Forester for the Kilpatrick Hills. With the acquisition of land at Gavinburn and Merkins, the Commission is now engaged in developing a Forestry Design Plan for all their land in the Kilpatricks to last over the next 20-30 years. This should be completed by September 2013 after several public meetings and consultations at several venues in the area. One of the reasons for the meeting was concern raised by several members at the temporary closing (with diversion) of the Old Kilpatrick to Loch Humphrey track. This has to be brought up to standard to allow access for machinery and not, as was feared by some, to allow large scale extraction of timber.
Any problems you may have about forestry land can be addressed to Matt Buckland at the Clydebank office 01419514510 M. 07825 403622 [email protected]
We have had several people expressing fears about the future plans for the hills now that the F.C. is the major land owner. Concerns are that many of the moorland areas will be converted to coniferous forest which might require heavy ridging at the planting stage making walking difficult as well as spoiling the wide open spacious aspects that make walking in the Kilpatricks so special. The woods planted years ago are now ready for extraction but by what routes? From around Loch Humphrey this might be down past Sheephill Quarry through Milton village already plagued by quarry traffic, Or down that scenic road across Kilpatrick Braes which would require considerable ‘upgrading’. Other options might be to extend roadways across from Burncrooks; again not favoured as it could be making the Kilpatricks too accessible to motorised off road vehicles again destroying the ‘feeling’ of remoteness.
The objectives of the CSGN Study should have a considerable influence on the FC’s plans.
Any problems you may have about forestry land can be addressed to Matt Buckland at the Clydebank office 01419514510 M. 07825 403622 [email protected]
We have had several people expressing fears about the future plans for the hills now that the F.C. is the major land owner. Concerns are that many of the moorland areas will be converted to coniferous forest which might require heavy ridging at the planting stage making walking difficult as well as spoiling the wide open spacious aspects that make walking in the Kilpatricks so special. The woods planted years ago are now ready for extraction but by what routes? From around Loch Humphrey this might be down past Sheephill Quarry through Milton village already plagued by quarry traffic, Or down that scenic road across Kilpatrick Braes which would require considerable ‘upgrading’. Other options might be to extend roadways across from Burncrooks; again not favoured as it could be making the Kilpatricks too accessible to motorised off road vehicles again destroying the ‘feeling’ of remoteness.
The objectives of the CSGN Study should have a considerable influence on the FC’s plans.
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