A tree felling operation is to be carried out in Elgin, Moray, next month.

In a statement, the local authority said the work will be carried out at the Oakwood. The project will see a number of semi-mature beech and oak trees removed, while surgery will be carried out on a number of large beech trees to the east of the woodland, close to the Eight Acres Hotel.

The work is part of Moray Council's Oakwood management plan; this aims to reduce the amount of beech trees within a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

It is understood some of the boundary trees have health and structural problems, posing risks to those who may use the footpath nearby. They are also causing danger to a dry stone dyke on the boundary of the woodland, the Council has said.

-- Advertisement --

The main focus of the works will be to maintain protection and conservation of the oak woodland and the wildlife community it supports.

Surgery will be carried out on beech trees, rather than felling, while an oak tree next to the A96 end of the boundary wall will be retained. Elsewhere, after the trees are thinned, replanting works will take place using oak seedlings from acorns gathered in the woodland.

Of the felled trees, some will be left on site to provide deadwood. This will put goodness back into the soil, provide shelter for animal life and food for insects.

A spokesman for Moray Council said: "The council wants people to enjoy the woodlands which provide free, quiet and informal public access and we recognise that the woodland is a renewable and sustainable resource."

Both Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage have approved the works. The project is expected to begin next month and take up to three weeks to complete.

(JP/CD)