Clean-Up Day, May 2026

Moth Survey

The May Clean up day didn’t start as normal on the Saturday Morning, but started the evening before. On Friday the 8th May a moth survey was prepared with 3 moth traps to be used. Two traps were supplied by Mary, the county recorder for Butterfly Conservation, with a third moth trap supplied by one of the Woodland Group Members. Mary arrived with her two moth traps at 7:00 pm on Friday evening.

Hebrew Character Moth – Image By Siobhan Fraser

Large Moth Trap, lit up at night by the garden pond — Large Moth Trap – Image by Ian Fraser

The two traps were set up in a back garden in Birch Drive ready to collect any moths hunting during the night of the 8th. The other moth trap was set up in a garden at the other end of the woodland. When the traps were set up, the evening was a bit colder than we would have liked, but everyone was hopeful if the weather remained dry with only a light wind we would have some success overnight. Unfortunately the weather conditions were not conducive with the moth survey and when the traps were checked the next morning only 3 moths had been caught in the traps due to a very cold night with the temperature at less than 3 degrees. One moth in each trap. After identifying and photographing the moths the results were uploaded to the iNaturalist website. The three moths were then released, and the moth traps packed away ready for next time.

The Clean-Up

Area 8 of woodland Beech saplings being thinned — Area 8 being Thinned Out – Image by Ian Fraser

By 10:00 am on Saturday morning the Maryburgh Community Group had gathered in Birch Drive ready to carry out the May clean-up day. With many of the volunteers on holiday only 6 volunteers started work on clearing the Beech saplings within the woodland. Three members of the group started clearing the remaining saplings within area 8 of the 10-year plan. Another 2 members removed the remaining saplings within area 11 of the plan. One member of the group removed the Sequoia cones that were lying on one of the informal tracks within the woodland. This made it much easier and safer for walkers, especially anyone with mobility disabilities to walk through the woodland. Once the track was clear of cones volunteer was able to join the three other members clearing the Beech saplings. The saplings cut down were then stacked in neat piles to rot down and provide habitats for small mammals, invertebrates, fungi and other woodland species.

Refreshments

After 2 hours work in the woodland all the volunteers were able to return to Birch Drive. Alongside the normal sausages and rolls some other members of the Woodland Group had tea and coffee with sausage rolls and cocktail sausages ready for everyone. All this was within the shelter of a member of the woodland groups garage to keep the volunteers dry from the rain. More tea and coffee was available from the back of a volunteer’s car, equipped with a portable gas cooker.

More Help Needed

More help is always needed to maintain and improve the woodland for the benefit of everyone in the community. If you cannot spare a couple of hours to join us for some fun in the woodland, why not help out in other ways. You can now make a donation using our PayPal online system. All donations will go to help with the future development of our community woodland.

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MCWG Live Work Group

Clean-Up Day, March 2025

An image showing a Whin bush in flower with a bee collecting pollen. — A Whin Bush in flower – Image by Siobhan Fraser

As Spring Arrives the Work Continues

The first of March once again saw a small group of volunteers carry on where they had left off in February with clearing the sides of the core path leading to Dunglass Road. With some of our members away on holiday, there were fewer people involved in the tidy up this month. Due to the shortage of numbers, it was decided to give the giant Rhododendron ponticum a short reprieve.

Well equipped with bow saws, tree pruning saws, loppers and secateurs the small team of volunteers got to work to open up the core path to allow more people access to the woodland. The Beech (Fagus sylvatica) saplings, a non-native tree species along with Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Whins also commonly called Gorse (Ulex europaeus), were targeted by the group.

Another Good Mornings Work

The beech is a non-native and invasive and if not controlled would eventually take over the woodland. The native Whin and Broom, both prolific spreading species, will take over open spaces reducing the ability of other woodland edge species to grow. In order to keep the core paths open for people to use, both these plants need to be kept under control. The other common plant targeted for clearance from the core path area was the bramble (Rubus fruticosus). This spreads along the ground and can cause injury to anyone walking along the core paths due to its prickly stems.

After a morning of hard work, the group returned to the grassed area in Birch Drive to have bread rolls with sausage or burgers along with cups of tea and coffee. Again, the Maryburgh Community Woodland Group would like to thank the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning for the benefit of all those who use the woodland in Maryburgh.

An image of a patch of Lesser Celandine with its bright yellow flowers — Lesser Celandine in flower – Image by Siobhan Fraser

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Work Group

Clean-Up Day, 8th February 2025

A Cold Day in the Woodland

On a very cold day on Saturday 8th February once again 13 volunteers including a younger member from the local community in the Community woodland continued with the clean-up of the core paths and the large rhododendron ponticum at the southwestern corner of the woodland. Again, as with previous weeks, the volunteers split into two work groups. The first continued to reduce the size of the rhododendron ponticum, while the second group tidied up the brambles, gorse and beech trees at the sides of the core path leading to Dunglass road. Once again, the core path was cleared back about 2 metres so that it will be easier to scrape and reinstate the original path. With the help of a younger member of the community, a small oak tree was relocated to a safer area away from the core path.

Work party at rhododendron — *Volunteers working to reduce the rhododendron*
*Image by Jim Neil*

Planting an Oak — A younger volunteer planting an oak – Image by Elsbeth Neil

Refreshments at the end of a morning’s work.

By the end of the morning, the volunteers made their way down to the open area at Birch drive for a well deserved cup of hot tea or coffee and hot rolls. The Maryburgh Community Woodland Group would once again like to thank all the volunteers who braved the cold weather to help with the tidy up.

rhododendron with exposed birch tree — The rhododendron cleared back to the birch tree – Image by Jim Neil

Bacon Rolls for All — The volunteers enjoying tea and hot rolls – Image by Elsbeth Neil

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Work Group

Clean-Up Day, 1st February 2025

On Saturday 1^st February once again saw 14 volunteers including 2 younger members from the local community in the Community woodland to continue cleaning up the trees and bushes along the core paths. The volunteers split up into two groups, with some continuing to prune back the large Rhododendron ponticum covering the core path at the gate into Brahan Estate. The second group started to clear the overhanging trees and bushes covering the core path leading to Dunglass Road. One of our professional foresters in the group marked out the trees to be kept, to make sure none of the native species were removed by mistake. This core path was cleared back about 2 metres to expose the original core path and make it easier to scrape and reinstate the path once funding is available. The core path will allow everyone in the community to use the path including horse riders, cyclists, walkers, runners, people with buggies and disabled to gain access to the community woodland.

Temp for still reduced — *Rhododendron ponticum cuttings stacked – Image by Siobhan Fraser*

Later in the morning, the two groups joined forces to clear all the cut down Rhododendron branches from the track and form a large heap behind the existing bush. This allows the cut branches to die back while making sure any roots are clear of the ground to prevent them rerouting. At the end of the 2 hours, the volunteers made their way back down the core path to Birch Drive to enjoy some hot bacon rolls and cups of tea and a friendly chat amongst ourselves.

Once again, the Maryburgh Community Woodland Group would like to thank all the willing volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to help clear the bushes and trees on the core paths.

MCW 1Feb25 clean up rolls1 reduced — Volunteers relaxing – Image by Megan Parker

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Work Group

Clean-Up Day 25 January 2025

*Community members on clean-up day – Image by Elsbeth Neil*

Twelve Volunteers including 3 enthusiastic children from the Maryburgh Community were once again out last Saturday morning to carry out another clean-up of the core path between Birch Drive and the community woodland.

The Maryburgh Community Woodland Group would like to thank all the willing volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to help clear the many bushes and beech saplings that have grown over the existing path. This now allows more light into the path area to help with fresh growth and dry up the wet areas. They even started to prune the large rhododendron at the southern end of the woodland path.

We know many people are attached to this bush, for its flowers and as a climbing frame! Our aim here is to open up the track to allow future improvements to the path surface and drainage, as well as reducing the overall size of the bush. It will regrow from the pruning cuts we have made.

Did you know that Rhododendron ponticum is the most invasive non-native land plant in Scotland? Each cluster of flowers can produce between 3000 & 7000 tiny seeds. These can travel far on the wind, on muddy boots and paws!

Rhoddy bushes cut out the light from the woodland floor, outcompeting native plants and preventing tree seeds from regenerating. The leaves even contain a chemical which prevents other seeds from germinating in the soil – which is called allelopathy. By reducing the size of this large rhoddy bush we can reduce the amount of seed being produced whilst keeping it as a feature for visitors, young and not-so-young, to enjoy.

Special thanks must be given to the willing members of the Maryburgh Mens Shed, who once again volunteered their help with the woodland. The Group would also like to thank the 3 children and their parents who took part in the clean-up.

The community woodland now belongs to everyone in the village and, not just the Community Woodland group, who volunteer to manage the woodland and improve this amenity for everyone. We are always open to help and suggestions from anyone in the village.

Clearing-Beech-samplings-reduced — *Clearing the beech saplings – Image by Gareth Parkinson*

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Work Group

Clean-Up day Jan 2025

Monthly Community Woodland Clean-up

The Old Brahan Drive last year – Image by Siobhan Fraser

Forming a Dead Hedge

The branches and saplings removed were gathered together away from the path and stacked in piles within the woodland. Some of the brush was used to form a dead hedge, between the track and some of the young saplings planted last summer. The dead hedge provides additional protection for these new plantings until they are able to survive and flourish. These plantings are legally required under the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to replace dangerous trees that were taken down for everyone’s safety.

The brush piles and the dead hedge provide various habitats and niches for various woodland species such as invertebrates, fungi, young plants, birds and small mammals. As the wood in the piles break down due to bacteria and fungi, they release trapped nutrients, which are absorbed back into the soil to provide the next generation of woodland species with their needs to develop.

Community Members Get Involved

Woodland Clean Up 04-01-2025 — Brahan Drive cleared by volunteers – Image by Elsbeth Neil

The third Woodland Clean-up day took place on the 4^th January 2025. The day was fine, but very cold when six volunteer members of the community gathered at the Birch Drive end at 10:00 am to carry on where the clean-up had finished on the previous clean-up day in December. This clean-up mainly tackled the large number of Beech saplings and Western Hemlock that were spreading along the edge of the old Brahan Estate drive within the community woodland.

Armed with bow saws, compact saws and heavy duty loppers, the group tackled the saplings and overhanging branches to allow more light in and open it up for better access, particularly for less mobile members of our community. After 2 hours of work, approximately another 60 metres of the core path was opened up and easier for everyone to negotiate. Clearing the brush and saplings also defined the track and will make it easier to reinstate later in the year once the funding is raised to carry out the work.

Dead Hedge 20250105_104945 — Dead hedge – Image by Siobhan Fraser

Once again, the handful of volunteers gave up their Saturday morning to help with the clean-up, and the Community Woodland Group is very thankful for all their help. While the group cleared a good section of the path in only two hours, there is plenty more work still to do. Woodland clean-ups occur on the first Saturday of every month, so please come along to help if you can.

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MCWG Archived Work Group

Clean-Up day, Nov. 2024

Monthly Community Woodland Clean-up

Last Saturday the 2^nd of November 2024 a small group of volunteers took part in a Maryburgh Community Woodland Clean up. This was the first of the monthly clean-up sessions. They will be held on the 1^st Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Last Saturday’s event consisted of a start on removing the many of the invasive and non-native species from the woodland. Among the species removed were cotoneaster from the northern end of the woodland.

Removal of Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family from temperate areas of Asia, Europe, North Africa and China. These plants are very popular in peoples gardens. They produce an abundance of red-orange or yellow berries in the autumn, and are a favourite food with many birds. These berries find their way into the woodland mainly by birds, but are also wind blown or dumped in garden rubbish in the woodland. They can spread and exclude native woodland plants from the areas. As the Community Woodland Group hopes to increase the woodland biodiversity, this can only be achieved by excluding invasive and non-native species from the area.

Thank you For Your Help

The Community Woodland Group would like to thank all those volunteers who gave up their time last Saturday to help with the first monthly clean up. They would also like to give a special thank you to the younger members of the community who, with the help of a responsible adult, carried out litter picking and filled black bin liners with litter from the woodland.

Woodland-Clean-Up-02-11-2024 — Community members on clean-up day – Image by Megan Parker

The Future Plans

Over the next few months the Clean-Ups will include removing non-native invasive species including Western Hemlock and Beech regeneration. Pruning of branches that are overhanging the woodland paths and pruning shrubs. Litter picking will also be needed regularly, due to wind blown litter and less considerate Maryburgh community members.

Snowberry-hung-up-to-dry(1) — Snowberry, hung up to allow roots to dry out
Image by Megan Parker

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Work Group MCWG Archived Work Group

2024 Tree Condition Survey

A tree condition survey was carried out on the 18th July by A Jackman & R Fraser (MArborA) BSc on behalf of Maryburgh Amenities Company. The objective of this survey was to record tree data to assess tree condition and provide management recommendations to mitigate the risk of tree failure where appropriate. Once the funding is available, MCWG will be obtaining quotes from qualified tree surgeons to carry out the maintenance work identified as part of this tree condition survey.

The trees marked by red circles are to be felled by 18th October. Trees marked by orange circles are to be felled by the 18 July 2025. Trees marked by green circles are to be monitored. Trees marked by a blue circles are to be felled, but no limiting date is set. Click on tree marker for further information.

Tree Work

After inspection of all trees within the survey area, eleven trees were identified as requiring remedial tree work. Details of the recommended tree work can be found in the map above. Full details of tree conditions and locations of trees can be found in the attached map, by clicking on the various tree markers. Since the woodland is protected by a TPO, the community need to seek approval from the Highland Council before any trees can be cut down.

Vandalism

Whilst undertaking the tree survey, an issue of vandalism was identified in the woodland area, that requires attention. Observations revealed acts of vandalism affecting trees in the woodland. There are approximately 15-20 trees in total, and it appears that mature trees have been targeted. It is estimated that the damage was inflicted within the last 1-2 weeks. The wounds to the trees were created with a sharp object, similar to a small axe.

Anyone who wishes to read the full Tree Safety Survey and Condition report, please contact the MCWG, who will email you a copy of the report.

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Activity MCWG Archived Activity

Tree Planting and Woodland Tidy Up

Saturday 27 April 2024.

Image of looking for wildlife — Looking for wildlife — Image by Megan Parker

After the instruction, the group started planting the new tree saplings in the designated area. These areas were chosen as there was very little canopy cover and the new saplings could take advantage of the light when growing.

The trees were donated by Christies of Fochabers and Cheviot Trees. The biodegradable tree protector tubes were from NextGen. The Community Woodland Group is very grateful to all the volunteers who took part and the donations from the various companies involved.

With over 20 trees planted, the volunteers then replaced their spades and hammers with black plastic bin sacks and litter pickers supplied by the Highland Council. Again they split up into small groups and headed off to collect any rubbish left in the woodland. After a thorough search of the woodland, the volunteers returned with the bags full of rubbish. This consisted of empty beer cans, wrappers, dog poo bags, some full of dog poo and disposable vapes, even a champagne bottle along with other waste products. The only thing that couldn’t be collected was all the fresh garden waste dumped in the woodland.

Pile of rubbish collected during the tidy up — Rubbish Collected during tidy up — Image by Siobhan Fraser

Finally, the small footpath between Birch Drive and the old Brahan Estate drive was cleared of weeds. This is the footpath between a property in Birch Drive and the small patch of isolated community woodland.

The tree planting was successful today. 10 volunteers from the Maryburgh Men’s Shed and the Maryburgh Community Woodland Group arrived at 10:00 am today armed with spades and hammers. After, Megan explained that the new trees had to be planted as required by the Tree Preservation Order and the Highland Council Woodland Officer. The 19 new trees were to replace the 19 trees felled last year to make the community woodland safe. Megan had previously marked the tree planting location with white tape, she gave an explanation of how to go about planting the new trees and the best way to fit the tree protectors and stakes.

The Woodland Group taking part in tree planting — Tree planting — Image by Megan Parker

PXL_20240427_105709435-scaled — *Clearing the footpath — Image by Megan* Parker

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Activity MCWG Archived Activity

Bird Boxes in Community Woodland

Part of our intention is to increase the biodiversity within the woodland. In order to achieve this, new wooden bird boxes made by the Maryburgh Men’s Shed have now been put up at various locations throughout the community woodland.

Boxes-3-and-4 — *Image by: Siobhan Fraser*

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MCWG 2024/25 Archived Activity MCWG Archived Activity