Hazelwoods

Lochaline Hazelwood, acquired by MCDC in 2003 has long been a resource of recreation for our community, and an important native habitat for wildlife. To date, no formal plan of management has existed for the site, meaning MCDC recently commissioned woodland advisor Diane Baum of The Woodland Trust to create one.

Using a diverse approach, the management plan applies an understanding of the local perceptions of the woodland, owing to how they use it and how it affects them. It also considers site history, including previous management activities and the changes in species presence and composition. The first draft includes the following core proposals:

● Identify key views from properties neighbouring the woodland and carrying out limited cutting of native trees to maintain and/or re-open these views.

● Include the surrounding land owned by FLS and Ardtornish Estate in the management plan (decision making on this matter is in progress).

● Improve the biodiversity value of the woodland by removing non-native species and managing for greater diversity in tree age structure.

● Provide an accessible recreation space for the community by maintaining footpaths and benches.

● Increase the educational value of the woodland by hosting school and community events.

On Monday 30th June, we will visit the residents who live close to the woodland (primarily of Torr Na Faire) to hear their thoughts on the plan. There will also be the opportunity to provide written feedback to [email protected], all of which will be considered and implemented into the final version of the management plan. We envisage that the final version, which is ready to be enacted, will be ready by October 2025.

Going forward, we hope this plan will improve the site for local residents, the wider community and the natural environment.