Our email To FLS on 19th Septembeer.
Email to:
Lyndy Renwick | Communities and Communication Manager |Forestry and Land Scotland, Straiton, KA19 7NG

Dear Lyndy,

Regarding: “Confirmation that the community is supportive of the bringing forward the felling of the last remaining bit of the Balloch wood.”

We do not see ourselves as “representative of ’the’ community” because there are many different groups in the area and we have not been able to speak to everyone, despite our best efforts. That said, we have tried very hard to get the views of as many people as possible through leafleting every house in the village twice, a strong website, as much social media as we can manage, and several public meetings as well as informal conversations.

We believe that a majority of people that we have heard from now accept that the felling needs to be brought forward, for the reasons outlined below. This is especially true given that felling would have to happen in any case. However, there are some people who still have significant reservations.

We predict that the community will feel the loss of the remaining conifers keenly. However, there has been more communication and involvement of the community through our various activities, since the Phase 1 felling and we believe that that is likely to help with the process of acceptance. In particular, there are concerns about wildlife but also a recognition that future planting with native trees will be a positive thing for biodiversity.

People who agree to the earlier felling either had that view from the start or have come to that view after seeing the consequences of storm damage. It is attractive to have a “clean slate” before more damage to paths and burns happens with further winter storms. It is clear to many folks that the conifers are very tall and shallow rooted, vulnerable to high winds, potentially dangerous and need removed. People are attracted to FLS proposals for planting with native hardwoods and Scots Pine as part of transition from production forestry to community (amenity) forest. Folk can appreciate the opportunities for the community once the site is clear of conifers and replanted, and realise that the sooner the remaining conifers are removed, the sooner we can start to restore the area. This is seen as a better option than coming in again and again to fix storm-damaged areas or harvest piecemeal.

I hope this accurately reflects the situation but again, please note that we do not feel able to present these conclusions as ‘representative” of the community.

As ever looking forward very much to working with you, Jude and FLS generally.

Best wishes,

Balloch Community Woodland Group, Creetown

We have been in contact with FLS over the last month in response to an enquiry from FLS requesting
the view of the Creetown Community regarding the proposed early felling of the lower part of the wood.

The official FLS reply, received on 13th October, notified us that the proposed "Felling Amendment" had progressed to the public register, with a link for comments.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) are managing this link - a chance for everyone to comment on their proposals for felling the remaining Production Forest plantation of Sitka Spruce in Balloch Wood.

https://www.forestry.gov.scot/felling-permissions-within-forestry-plans-register
Click on the South Scotland selection buttons on this page, then scroll down to "LMP261 Creetown"

However at the time of writing there does not appear to be any link to see the actual amendment details.
Only a link to a general contact form to "Scottish Forestry".

So below we have shown, the "Amendment Form" for Creetown, which we received a few days ago, with accompanying maps, together with the link for submitting comments.

The final decision on felling will be taken at the end of the consultation period, i.e. after 10th November

Comments should be submitted by 10th November 2025 to: southscotland.cons@forestry.gov.scot
Quoting Case Ref: LMP261

Please send any comments directly to them.
However, if you wish, please feel free to copy your comments to us at: admin@ballochwood.info

Click on this link to see the PDF file we were sent

The three "screen-shots" from it are shown below, for your convenience.

The accompanying email stated that any comments should be send to:

Please reply to: southscotland.cons@forestry.gov.scot Quoting Case Ref: LMP261

Please send any comments directly to them.
However, if you wish, please feel free to copy your comments to us at: admin@ballochwood.info

Map of Proposed Management

Map of Approved Restock

Click on an image to see larger version.

There are details within the Amendment Form which are not entirely clear.

We have requested clarification from FLS regarding the mention in the Amendment Form:

• “tidying up windblown trees” versus “clear fell” in some coupes

• the meaning of “natural restoration” versus “replanting.

and have asked them to confirm which areas of the wood these will apply to.

We have also sought clarification regarding:

Who has responsibility for maintaining the various paths in the wood.
The areas of responsibility that would remain with FLS or the Local Authority, and areas of responsibility that the community might take on board through a "Memorandum of Understanding".