FRIENDS OF NEWTONHILL WOODLAND

The woodland has gone from strength to strength over the last few years.  Last year the Highland Council under took major improvement works at the old local 'dump' by upgrading the paths to 'All Ability' standard, providing flagstone furniture and a wildlife interpretive trail.

Last month, the Council's Caithness East Countryside Ranger organised a large scale clean up project on site to rid surfacing waste. An entire skip load of debris was picked and removed from site.

A tree and shrub planting day followed the clean up to enhance habitat for the wildlife on site and to screen some of the larger waste objects. A range of broadleaf trees were planted to fill gaps created by wind blown timber from the January storms. Thorny species such as sea buckthorn, Rosa and hawthorn were planted to screen unattractive areas and some ivy and honeysuckle to creep over and hide other undesirables.

The planting was carried out by local volunteers and 'Friends of Newtonhill Woodland', the local community group. Refreshments for the day were funded by Community Service Volunteer Action Earth Awards.

Marina Swanson, local countryside ranger said: "Newtonhill Woodland is a wonderful place to visit especially at this time of year. The efforts of the volunteers have made a big difference to the site and will help others to enjoy the woodland. Many thanks to the helpers for all their hard work.

"Anyone with an interest in the woodland who would like to join the community group should come along to the AGM on 18th May 7pm at MacKay's hotel, Wick."