Maintenance works in much loved woodlands start 4 December

Work starts next week on planned maintenance in three much loved woodlands managed by the Council, and will continue well into the new year.

The woods earmarked for some TLC in coming months are Muddisdale Woods in Kirkwall, Millennium Wood in Stromness, and Happy Valley in Stenness. These areas are open to the public and form part of the Council’s public spaces.

Starting from 4 December, the works are aimed at ensuring the woodlands continue to thrive and are a safe space for people to enjoy.

Timed to be completed before the Spring regrowth period, work will include pruning of eye-level branches near paths, surgery to remove unhealthy limbs, and thinning of branches and of poorly trees to open up the canopy and encourage growth - and will be carried out by a specialist.

Some cuttings will be left in quieter parts of the woodland for insect life and other biodiversity.

There may be restricted access for the public at times for safety reasons.

Susan Shearer is Service Manager for Development and Marine Planning: “These are works we need to carry out regularly, to protect and enhance the long term health of the woodlands and the safety of everyone who enjoys them.

“We’d reassure folks that though they might notice some change at first, the work is based on specialist advice to optimise tree health, and the woods soon bounce back in abundance once the longer days of spring arrive. We thank folks for their patience over coming months while this work is carried out.”

To find out more, contact the Council’s Development and Marine Planning team on access@orkney.gov.uk, extension 2541.