Park authority backs plans to fell 1 million trees in Cheviots
ONE of the last red squirrel strongholds in north Northumberland could be wiped out by plans to fell a huge forest.
Lilburn Estates wants to clear about a million trees in Threestoneburn Forest in the Cheviots and convert the area into managed moorland for sheep and grouse.
However, the forest is home to between 60 and 100 red squirrels, a species threatened by extinction in Britain.
Dr Peter Lurz, Newcastle University's leading squirrel scientist, said: "I do not see any realistic and feasible management options that would allow the retention of a viable red squirrel population in and around Threestoneburn Forest.
"During any restructuring of the forest there would be a period with no trees of seed bearing age, red squirrels would therefore have to migrate from the forest along the wooded watercourse to the east.
"As a result, any decision with regard to the future of Threestoneburn and the nature of the landscape that will replace the existing conifer forest should not be made on the basis of red squirrel conservation."
The North of England Red Alert steering group is pushing for a longer term felling programme to allow the squirrels to move to alternative habitats.
The group also wants talks with Lilburn Estates about controlling the grey squirrels in the adjacent woodland corridor to ensure the safe migration of reds.
A final decision will be taken by the Forestry Commission early in the new year but at a special meeting in Wooler last Thursday, members of Northumberland National Park Authority backed the plan.
The only dissenting voice came from Coun Dougie Watkin, member for Norham and Islandshires on Northumberland County Council.
He said: "Red squirrel populations have reached the point where they are extremely close to extinction and this authority is speeding up that process by agreeing this plan.
"This is an iconic species, both for Northumberland and the national park. If a population can be maintained there by proper management of the forest I think it is something that would greatly add to the national park.
"Lilburn Estates have tried to come up with a workable solution but given the effort that is going into saving red squirrels and the fact we have a known population at Threestoneburn, to actually consider ripping the floor from under them sits very uneasy on my shoulders."
However, other members felt the benefits of returning the area to open moorland with native broadleaved trees outweighed concerns for the red squirrel.
Eddie Idle, lead member - information systems, representing National Interest, said: "It seems to be that the general principle of returning this area of coniferous woodland to open moorland, particularly in higher habitats, is actually something we should sign up to."
If the clearance goes ahead, it would be one of the biggest landscape changes in Northumberland National Park since its designation in 1956.
The forest, around 10km from Wooler on the eastern flanks of Hedgehope and Dunmoor Hill, was bought by Lilburn Estate from the Forestry Commission in January 2007.
Under the Lilburn Estate's proposals, felling of the 568 hectare forest would take three years and yield about 150,000 tonnes of saleable timber.
Coun Anthony Murray, member for Wooler on Northumberland County Council, said: "I have got no fears at all about what Lilburn Estates will do with that area. We have seen what they have done in the past and I believe they will do as good a job there."
Concerns were voiced, however, about the proposed extraction route through the Breamish Valley where a new 1.5km road is planned and a 6.5km track upgraded.
This means it would be necessary to quarry 27,500 tonnes of stone, which would lead to the reopening of two local quarries.
There is an alternative extraction route over the moors to South Middleton although it is not supported by Lilburn Estates because of its length and significant impact on the landscape.
A third route via Roddam is also under consideration, although Lord Vinson of Roddam is among the objectors.
Coun Murray said: "I don't want to see the extraction route through the Breamish Valley because of the impact it will have on residents living there and, just as importantly, the visitors who we have been trying to encourage."
The national park agreed further discussions about the extraction routes were needed with the Forestry Commission and Northumberland County Council. Members also proposed the creation of a local liaison group. Members also called for additional mitigation for red squirrels to be discussed, including the provision of Scots Pine trees which are favoured by the reds.
Comments on the proposal should be sent to: Colin Grayson, Forestry Commission, Redford, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 3NL.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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