Quite a few members of The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust are disgruntled by the habitat desolation between the Merryton and Roadbridge, and rightly so. The removal of many bushes and young trees, also the lower branches of all the remaining trees has added to that look of desolation. Before all this took place, the broken and damaged trees to be removed were marked with paint, and "A light touch would be applied " was the phrase used. I pleaded with RCC Chair Tommy Hogg to leave the bushes and dogwood alone, but he said it was up to Highland Region people who were calling the shots. The Gurn now tells us to go to River community council meetings to air our grievances, and perhaps come up with some suggestions on improving the Riverside! I had a look at the few Alders that have since been planted, but it does not make up for the loss of Rowan, saplings, and bushes that have been removed. Speaking out on behalf of the Trust and wildlife, I have sent the following email letter to the River Community Council in the hope that they will at least make up for the 2012 clearances, and plant a dozen or so Hawthorn and Rowan trees for the benefit of the wildlife.
Dear Stephanie and River Councillors,
The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust notice
that only a few Alder saplings have been planted as tree replacements between
the merryton bridge and roadbridge. In view of the fact that more young trees
were removed than have been replaced, particularly the young Rowan trees, these
should be replaced as a food source for the wild birds.
The removal of all the lower branches of the
existing trees and destruction of bushes was uncalled for, and has been
detrimental to the wildlife.
The original fallen and broken trees that were
marked for removal was acceptable, but most of the removed wild bushes and young
saplings should have been left alone, these were cover for the wildlife and a
deterrent to dogs.
The Trust would like the replanting of some berry
producing trees such as Hawthorn and Rowan to replace, enhance and aid the
wildlife there.
Yours Sincerely
Joe Telfer, on behalf of the River Nairn Swans and
Waterfowl Trust.
