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.

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.