Comments on Felling Amendment Plan
Monday 10th November 2025
Our comments are as follows:
The proposal is to establish native broadleaved woodland on compartments 86002 and 86006, replacing the current conifer stands, leaving as many broadleaf in place as possible. We understand the dangers posed by windthrow on the shallow rooted Sitka Spruce, and the unstable edges and individual trees within these coupes. We also understand that the access issues pertaining today would not hold if the original felling date was not changed. Therefore, we welcome the changes to the LMP that have been proposed. We also welcome the proposed change from conifer to broadleaf and the opportunities this creates for community engagement and amenity, and enhanced wildlife habitat comprising native tree, shrub and understorey species.
We hope that the forest operations will be cautious, taking care of soil compaction issues and the height of stumps after felling. We know that machines work fast, that costs matter to you and that parts of the site are tricky operationally. However, previous felling has been satisfactory in some places but very poor in others. We ask that felling is done carefully, sympathetically and professionally across this site – the nearest to the village and the most used.
Matching Tree Species to the Local Site Conditions
To create high quality broadleaf woodland and practice good quality broadleaved silviculture, we feel it is essential to select species in accordance with the Forestry Research Tool “Ecological Site Classification”, ESC4. This matches site qualities (e.g. soil characteristics, winter water table depth, and geographical location) with species suitable for site conditions.
Apart from a brief soil survey undertaken by a Glasgow University MSc student we are not aware of soil maps being prepared. We would especially welcome mapping of any areas of peat, >50 cm depth, or peaty soils. Sitka and Larch (some Doug Fir) were planted across all soils in the early 60s. Now that we have a “one-off” opportunity to consider site conditions more carefully, we feel it is important to look at some microsites carefully. For example, there a few small, contiguous areas that would count as “peaty soil”, if not exactly “peat”. These are downslope from the Mark/Chapelton/Glenquicken junction toward the burn and run a short distance to the SW. There may be other areas that a simple soil survey would reveal. Along those areas, we feel that soil conditions should dictate nuanced planting (e.g. alder, birch, willow, …) - it is virtually wetland for much of the year - whereas upslope the soils are better drained and more suited to the Beech, Hazel, Rowan, Oak, Scots pine, etc. … mixes that we hope FLS have in mind (in the absence of natural regen – see below). Rowan and holly are already coming up on felled sites. Of course, Sitka is coming up too so we anticipate the need to have regular community “Sitka removal” events.
We would welcome a clear understanding of the mix of tree species that are to be established, in what proportions, that comply with the range of suitable species set out in the ESC4 recommendations – for different soil / soil moisture categories.
We would also welcome the chance to view and contribute to a Planting Plan.
Natural Regeneration
Opinions are divided on natural regen versus planting. The LMP261 Restocking proposals suggest natural regeneration to restock these sites with enrichment after 3 years’ assessment. Converting a conifer stand to a young broadleaved wood might not easily be achieved through natural regeneration in the absence of removing the ‘natural’ regeneration of troublesome Sitka seedlings. Allowing the site to re-vegetate naturally is likely to produce poor quality woodland scrub in some areas, with inward seeding of birch, willow, & alder, and probably bog myrtle, gorse & broom. Gorse is already starting to cover the Cree Henge. Vigorous seedling regrowth from the harvested conifers is bound to occur, thereby negating the plan to establish Balloch Wood as a native broadleaved woodland.
This is a tricky balance. However, we therefore feel that there is scope for planting in some areas alongside natural regen in others. In any event, the decision making process offers opportunities for community monitoring and close discussions with FLS – something that we would welcome. We do not at present have the capacity as a community to monitor the whole area but we might get more interest from community as time goes on.
Overall, our low elevation site has high quality, deep woodland soils, with good soil moisture retention and nutrient status. The Balloch Wood should therefore be capable of growing valuable sessile oak and wild cherry, creating oakwood habitat of high wildlife value with good landscape and amenity features – as well as locking-up carbon.
A further consideration regarding ‘enrichment planting’ after 3 years is the potential competition with vigorous birch & willow regrowth, probably alongside Larch & Sitka seedlings. Newly-planted stock could be smothered without laborious, repetitive weeding of regrowth.
All that said, a number of people advocate for natural regen. We shall see. We’d welcome discussions and your technical guidance on these issues.
Selecting appropriate genetic stock - seed collected from registered seed stands within western Britain and high quality nursery stock - will create maximum amenity, enhanced landscapes, and maximum sequestration of carbon. Such high-quality genetic material – grown from seed collected in Britain is available from established, reputable commercial forest nurseries.
Protection of Young Trees
This is a tough one. The land between Creetown and Cairnsmore of Fleet has high red deer and roe deer populations. There is also a significant local population of brown hares that will damage young trees in their first 2 years. Tree protection is essential and green plastic tube ‘tree shelters’ may be cost-effective on small areas. But it might be worth considering deer fences with rabbit netting skirt for some larger areas.
Summary
It makes sense for health and safety, as well as logistical reasons, to approve this amendment. These compartments have the potential to form high quality native broadleaved woodland, over 25-50 years, bringing many benefits to the Creetown community, local wildlife and environment. It is essential that the transformation of the woodland from exotic conifers to native broadleaves, is conducted in accordance with best silvicultural practice, following long-established guidelines & practices for the establishment of broadleaved plantations on former woodland sites in lowland Britain.
As the Balloch Community Woodland Group becomes more established, and in partnership with other organisations, we look forward to working with FLS and would very much appreciate the chance to discuss the above issues over the coming weeks and months.
This is a time for mourning for many in our community. Even though the necessity of felling is now clear, the loss of the woods will sadden many people. We need to acknowledge that and give those feelings the respect and space they deserve.
However, this is also an exciting time. We hope to have some input into planting, especially in certain areas where Creetown residents and local schools feel able to take on small scale projects. For example, Cree Henge (above Creetown church), Cardoon Bridge area, the Curling Ponds, and a section near the Mark / Chapelton / Glenquicken junction. We have had several meetings with Glasgow Uni and are collaborating with them on citizen science - one MA student has already done a small-scale soil survey for her thesis and was with us for four days, one of which was with her supervisor. Heritage and history issues, as well as community development, biodiversity and climate change interests will inform the basis for grant applications which we hope to begin next year after we (hopefully) are granted SCIO status.
We look forward to working with FLS on a Memorandum of Understanding and to contributing positively to discussions and plans for this site, and indeed the whole of Balloch Wood.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your proposals.
Changes have been sought by FLS to:
Advance the clearfell of coupe 86002 (13 ha) in Phase 1, and
To split coupe 86006 (6 ha) and amend the management type to clearfell in Phase 1.