West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 1 December 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Liz McMullan, Malcolm Gosling, Ben Geyer.

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

Jenny Ventham, Chris Peach (BTCV), Peter McMullan, Frank Waterworth, Muriel Colver.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by GA and seconded by SW.

4. Matters Arising

Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report

No statement available.

6. Correspondence

• Email from Hazel Cross (FC) to Ashley Birrell (FET), and forwarded to JLeM re. future of the former Blairhall Colliery site.

• Email from Peter Howden (Parks, FC) to JLeM re. supporting the Blairhall to Balgownie path project.

7. Valleyfield Woodland Park

JLeM said he was unsure about the timing for the planned works but he hoped all would become clear at the next Valleyfield liaison meeting with FC on 7.12.11, at which he and SW would be present.

8. Blairhall to Balgownie path

SW expressed his continued frustration with project funding still not having been confirmed. JLeM said he had been in email contact with both Ashley Birrell (FET) and Peter Howden (Head of Parks, FC). Discussion on who in FC should lead on the project was ongoing.

9. Snowdrop Festival

Funding for the festival was discussed and Ben Geyer suggested that Scottish Native Woods might be prepared to make a grant from their social fund. JLeM agreed to contact Maggie Birley.

10. Proposal for Blairhall bings – Ben Geyer

BG outlined his business plan for the W bings, which was to harvest timber for firewood. This activity would be combined with restructuring the habitat for improved diversity and wildlife outputs, along with the control of invasive species. He thought that the business would be able to support 1 other person part-time. In the following discussion some concern was expressed about the business using the same entrance as the planned Blairhall to Balgownie (and ultimately Kincardine) new path. JLeM also said that PlantLife has been surveying the bings’ fine display of wild flowers, which tend to frequent the path edges. He would not want to see these crushed by vehicles. BG said he was investigating the purchase of an 8-wheeled vehicle which would cause minimal damage to paths. The entrance further up the road was mentioned as a possible alternative if this venture went ahead.

11. AOCB

Agreed that there would be no woodland workout on Monday 5 December.

12. Date of next meeting

Thursday 5 January, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre (post meeting note: centre not available on that date, meeting re-scheduled for Thursday 19 January).

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 3 November 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Muriel Colver, Jenny Ventham (FCS), Geoff Aze, Maggie Dalgleish, Chris Peach (BTCV), Peter McMullan, Frank Waterworth.

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

Malcolm Gosling, Mark Jeffery, Derek Abbott, Liz McMullan

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by JV and seconded by MD.

4. Matters Arising

Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report

MC did not have an up-to-date statement – no significant outlays since the last meeting.

6. Correspondence

• Letter from FC re. Blairhall Recycling Group Christmas Fayre Sat 26 Nov 12.00 to 2.00 at Blairhall CC.

• Letter from FC (via WFVCPG) re. Fife Forest & Woodland Strategy Consultation Forum Wed 16 Nov 4.00 to 7.30 at Rothes Hall.

• Invite from FC’s Cultural Consortium to Cultural Connections Fife Wed 23 Nov 6.00 to 9.00 at Adam Smith College.

7. BTCV/WFW joint project

SW reported on how the Monday woodland workout volunteers had met in Balgownie Wood with CP and JV to evaluate the planned joint project. The ‘beech avenue’ was investigated as a potential task along with clearing other paths. JV said these would be made of sufficient width and with adequate headroom to suit both walkers and horse riders. Stan thought they would then also be suitable for mountain bikes. There was a brief discussion on taking a path out to the Bogside road. MG said there was no change in the land ownership issue. JV advised that FCS was engaging Living Solutions to fell western red cedar at the NE corner of the wood, starting on 21 November. This clearance is necessary to provide access for the new bridge. She said the bridge works needed to start in Feb so that the work can be completed during this financial year. However she would need assurance before then that the project funding was in place

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park works

JLeM said he had heard nothing further about exactly when the woodland management and restoration of the Repton walled garden and rusticated bridges were to start. It was accepted that the walled garden would not be accessible during the 2012 snowdrop festival but the meeting expressed concern that any further delay in the tree felling could impact on the guided walks. JLeM said he did not expect an update on the situation until the next Valleyfield liaison meeting on 3 Dec (post meeting note: now moved to the 7th).

9. Blairhall to Balgownie path works

SW/JLeM explained how they were still having difficulty getting Leader to provide a written offer of grant. JLeM agreed to again pursue this with Leader.

10. 2012 Snowdrop Festival

JLeM reminded the meeting that he was not prepared to do the fundraising this year. FW agreed to give this a shot. JLeM also pointed out that with the RDA now having a new committee, and with Sylvia leaving the RDA, we should ascertain whether they still want to be involved. There is also the question of them riding throughout the winter now that they have a warm room.

11. AOCB

MD drew attention to the overgrown state of the former Gallowridge drove road. SW agreed to inspect this and report back. With that the meeting closed at 8.40 pm.

12. Date of next meeting

Thursday 1 December, 7pm, Blairhall New Community

Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 6 October 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Muriel Colver, Derek Abbott, Jenny Ventham, Mark Jeffery, Geoff Aze, Maggie Dalgleish, Alistair Hendry, Helen Hendry, Chris Peach (BTCV), Ben Geyer (part time).

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

Peter McMullan, Malcolm Gosling.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by JV and seconded by DA.

4. Matters Arising

Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report

MC reported an account balance of £11,921.04.

6. Correspondence

SW listed various items of correspondence received by the secretary. The only item of importance was a Grant Closure letter from Awards for All.

7. FCS/BTCV Volunteer Project – Chris Peach

CP outlined the volunteer project which is to support and develop the skills of local volunteer groups by having BTCV working alongside them. JC clarified things by saying that FCS was bearing the cost of BTCV involvement and therefore the project would only apply to FCS land. Discussion then centred on what work could be undertaken in Devilla Forest, Balgownie Wood and Carnock Moor. Balgownie Wood was favoured, with the prospect of extending the group’s Blairhall to Kincardine phase 1 path works as far as the Bogside Road (albeit this last section to just a foot-trod standard). WFW undertook to survey the wood and report on work that could be jointly undertaken.

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park works

JLeM said he had been to a recent liaison meeting with Fife Council where it was stated that the works had been put out to tender and contractors selected. Pre-start meetings were due to take place shortly. It was anticipated that work would commence late October/early November. This will be too late for the use of lime mortar in the walled garden because of the risk of frost damage. Instead the terraces will be cleared of trees and reformed ready for a spring start. Stone from the 3 stairways will be taken up, cleaned and stacked. Certain sections of the walls have been identified as unstable and the plan is to dismantle these and stack the bricks for re-use. The WIAT funded woodland management works is a separate activity and expected to last up to 6 weeks.

The group expressed some concern about the security of materials stored in the walled garden, even though the intention is to enclose it inside Heras fencing.

9. Blairhall to Balgownie path progress

JLeM confirmed he had met with West Fife Enterprise, as agreed at the previous meeting. They were still interested in constructing the bridge required over Bluther Burn but had concerns about their ability to handle the steelwork. JC said that she and an FCS civil engineer were to meet with WFE on Tuesday 1st November to discuss how best to take the work forward.

10. Woodland Workouts

It was agreed that the weekly Monday morning workouts would recommence on 10th October, 9.30 am start from the Shiresmill carpark serving Valleyfield Wood, the plan being to survey the snowdrop trail to see what work is needed and then to move on to survey Balgownie Wood.

11. AOCB

JV advised that FCS was starting tree thinning work at Tulliallan. There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.45 pm.

12. Date of next meeting

Thursday 3 November, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 1 September 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch, John Le Marie, Muriel Colver, Derek Abbott, Jenny Ventham, Malcolm Gosling, Peter McMullan, Mark Jeffery

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

Geoff Aze.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by JV and seconded by DA.

4. Matters Arising

Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report

MC did not have a current statement - the online balance was £12,005.71.

6. Correspondence

No letters but various emails on project issues.

7. Snowdrop Festival final accounts

JLeM said he had submitted an End of Grant Report to Awards for All. He was now awaiting a Grant Closure letter. He confirmed that the under-spend reported at the last meeting had been put towards a motor-driven scythe. The effect of this was to turn the under-spend into an over-spend of £260.12 which would be met from the group’s reserves. He passed copies of the report and accounts to the chair.

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park works

It was noted that both the tree management and historic works had gone out to tender. JLeM reported that he had received an email from the Council regarding ownership of the walled garden area. Establishing the owner could delay the planned restoration. He also expressed surprise and dismay that the park was being considered by the Council as a possible travellers’ stopover site, although the threat seemed to have passed with a site near Cairneyhill now being the preferred location.

9. Blairhall to Balgownie path funding

SW reported that he and JLeM had attended a meeting with Leader and FET, at which Leader had confirmed the group was to get an award of £30k. The group would get written confirmation of this shortly. Leader made it clear that their decision was based on the community benefit of the project as path works were not high on their agenda at the present time. JLeM was tasked with setting up a meeting with West Fife Enterprise to reconfirm their involvement in the project. In this regard he said he had received design details from FCS regarding the bridge required over Bluther Burn. JV confirmed that FCS will fund this bridge, this amounting to a benefit in kind of £14k - £15k. She said that there were various manufacturing options that WFE could choose between, if they wanted to take on this bridge as well as the bridge across Grange Burn. However she stressed that FCS would want to do the bridge foundations because of the stability of the ground.

10. AOCB

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.30pm.

12. Date of next meeting

Thursday 6 October, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

The meeting was followed by a presentation by Craig Mullen, Communications Manager of Partnerships for Renewables, regarding a study into the feasibility of installing wind turbines within Devilla Forest. He was partnered by John Everitt, Forestry Commission Liaison Officer for the project.

The presentation was well attended, with members of the West Fife Villages Community Planning Group and the Valleyfield Heritage Project Group having been invited. There were some members of SpotFife (Stop Proliferation of Turbines) present.

The speakers faced some very robust questioning with most people appearing to be opposed to up to 14 turbines being erected at Devilla, each 125m high (80m tower + 45m blade). However a couple of people spoke passionately in favour of wind turbines.

It was made clear by the presenters that Carnock Moor, Dean Plantation and Blairadam Forest are also being evaluated as potential wind turbine sites.

Various studies have to be completed before decisions can be made, these not just being wind speed and other technical issues but also the wildlife and the ecology of the areas under consideration. These are likely to take up to 2 years before any planning applications can be submitted.

Craig Mullen said he would make his Powerpoint presentation available to anyone wanting it.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 4th August 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Derek Abbott, Jenny Ventham (née Crick), Malcolm Gosling, Dougie Shaw, Peter McMullan.

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

Margaret Kerr

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by GA and seconded by DA (subject to the meeting date being corrected from 3 March to 12 May).

4. Matters Arising

JLeM apologised for getting the date wrong on the circulated minutes. He also reminded the meeting that 12th May was indeed the last monthly meeting, since the June meeting was cancelled because of the AGM on the 16th and the group traditionally did not meet in July (although this July there was a meeting of the management committee).

5. Treasurer’s Report

MC did not have a current statement to hand. Post meeting note: the account balance on 4th August was £12,820.71.

6. Correspondence

26 May: letter from Partnerships for Renewables re. Devilla Forest.

27 May: letter from St Ninian’s Guild requesting a snowdrop talk.

23 June: letter from Townhill Church Womens Guild requesting a snowdrop talk.

18 July: letter from Dunfermline Ladies’ Probus Club requesting a snowdrop talk.

7. Snowdrop Festival

JLeM advised an underspend of almost £470. The view of the management committee, which met in July to discuss this, was that the money should be put towards the purchase of a grass cutter of some form, the anticipated cost being £700-£750. SW, JLeM and GA had been tasked to visit Action Lawn and Leisure to discuss options. The meeting confirmed its support for such a purchase. JLeM said it would first have to be cleared with Awards for All. He did not anticipate a problem.

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park

JLeM reported on a recent meeting he had had with FC and others concerning the long awaited management of the woodland and a start to restoration of the Repton designed landscape. He said that following the collapse of JKF, the woodland management had to be re-tendered, with invitations about to go out. FC expected the work to start at the beginning of November and last no more than 1 month. The first phase of restoring the landscape would be confined to the walled garden and the adjacent feature arch, with work starting in September to avoid problems from frost. External funding would be required before reinstatement of the parapets on the 2 rusticated bridges could be undertaken. FC hoped that WFW, High Valleyfield CC or the newly formed Valleyfield group could assist with raising this money, the total cost of the work being around £91k. The meeting agreed that WFW would front a bid to FET if asked. There was then discussion about FC’s intention to make use of their apprentice training initiative in the restoration of the historic structures. Some concerns were raised about achieving the standard required for such unique structures of national importance.

9. Blairhall to Balgownie Path

JLeM said he was still waiting for confirmation from Leader that they would support the project with a £30k grant. However he had heard indirectly that WFW was to get the money. He was tasked to contact Leader to ascertain the situation. In discussion it was agreed that it is probably too late to start the path works this year.

10. Inventory of Group’s Assets

GA confirmed he had completed a list of the group’s assets. He had cleaned and oiled tools which were now stored in the building made available by Maggie Dalgleish. JLeM agreed to email those members who had tools at home, asking them to confirm their holding.

11. AOCB

Jenny announced that she had got married and that her surname was now Ventham. The meeting offered its congratulations. She also said that Colin Peacock had been seconded to another job for 6 months and that during this period her boss would be Andy Gallacher. She was able to confirm that FCS is still in a position to fund the bridge required across Bluther Burn as part of the path project.

JLeM said that at the July management meeting it had been agreed to invite speakers during the autumn/winter months, but not more frequently than alternate meetings so as not to disrupt the business of the group. He hoped that the first speaker on 1 September would be Partnerships for Renewables, the subject being the possible installation of a windfarm within Devilla Forest.

12. Date of next meeting

Thursday 1 September, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Annual General Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 16th June 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch (Chair), Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Emily Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Frank Waterworth, Marion McGlaughay, Derek Abbott (FCCT), Sophie Eastwood (FCCT), Sylvia Maxwell (RDA), David Maxwell (RDA), Donald Murdoch, Peter McMullan, Liz McMullan, Margaret Kerr, Janet MacLeod, Alistair ??? & wife.

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW thanked everyone for their attendance, with a special welcome to James Christie and the other guests.

2. Apologies

Jenny Crick, Colin Peacock, Malcolm Gosling, David Welch, Bill Walker.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by FW, seconded by GA.

4. Matters Arising

JLeM apologised for not providing a copy of the SGM minutes in the handout. He reminded attendees that this was to amend the membership requirements of the constitution to satisfy Awards for All requirements for inclusiveness.

5. Chairman’s Annual Report

SW read his annual report which is attached. Key points were:

6. Treasurer’s Report

MC circulated copies of the group’s audited accounts, the balance at the year end being £12,693.28.

7. Election of Office Bearers

8. Election of Management Committee Members

9. Guest Speaker – James Christie

Jim started by him explaining how at one time trees were in balance with the rest of nature, a key player being native black cattle that trampled tree seeds into the ground, thereby allowing them to germinate and flourish. Then man started harvesting timber and clearing areas for agriculture. This culminated in the highland clearances when the native forests were destroyed to make way for sheep. He then talked about the work the Woodland Trust is doing in Glen Finglas and Glen Devon to reinstate native woodland. His talk ended with slides of trees over the 4 seasons set to music.

10. Chairman’s Closing Remarks

On behalf of all present, SW thanked Jim for a most interesting talk and explanation of the valuable work being carried out by the Woodland Trust. The evening concluded with cheese and wine.

Attachments:

1. Chairman’s Report

2. Management Accounts

West Fife Woodlands’ AGM – Chairman’s Report

Year 2010-11 has been a busy year for WFW. The Woodland Workout sessions continued into early May 2010 and there were 2 or 3 sessions during the summer months to clear main paths in Valleyfield Wood. Our workouts recommenced around late September early October in order to get the snowdrop walk up to scratch. This early start on the snowdrop trail proved very fortuitous due to the earliest onset of winter that anyone can recall when all sessions came to an abrupt halt. In addition to the trail we carried out work clearing behind the rear wall of the garden and this has given us a clearer idea of what is behind the wall. Further excavating would be desirable as would the help of an ancient garden expert. As a result of the winter, emergency work on the trail was required just prior to the walks and we are indebted to Mark and his chainsaw at that time.

The snowdrop festival/walks again proved a great success and this year we included a country craft day and as a result we were able to present to the RDA a wonderful chainsaw sculpture which is used as a bird feeder. The school trips were very popular, 22 trips involving about 800 children. Our thanks go to the RDA and Sylvia for the hospitality provided and this all added to the overall experience for the schools. There were also 4 adult walking groups. We also gained a number of additional volunteers and our Monday morning sessions had between 10/12 workers. After the festival a fair bit of work was expended on the West Blairhall Bing – more of that later in my report.

Funding was gratefully received for the festival, £9550 from Awards for All, £1000 from Fife Council’s Locality budget and £645 from Paths for All to purchase additional equipment.

The monthly Saturday morning walks have at present been discontinued but can be reinstated if there is a demand.

Throughout the year the group has been in discussion with the Council on the proposed works in Valleyfield Wood and the group’s representations have helped achieve a result acceptable to most parties in respect of the tree felling. There is also work to be carried out on the Repton designed landscape and in particular repairs to the walled garden, reinstatement of the staircases within the garden, stabilisation of the Repton arch and also work on the rusticated bridges. The group along with other interested parties have raised the profile of the wood and we should soon be seeing the results of our efforts. Theresa Hughes has told John that there is an unfortunate delay in starting the work as the contractor for the trees has gone out of business and the job has to be retendered. There is also being set up a Friends of Valleyfield Woodland Park and the group will participate in this.

Almost since the start of the group 5 ½ year’s ago we have been working towards the creation of a path linking from Shiresmill through to Kincardine, using existing paths with the creation of new sections, building of 2 bridges and upgrading of existing paths. I am delighted to say the 1st phase of the project looks set to go ahead. We have been told by Leader in Fife that they are to recommend acceptance of our bid for £30,000 and this matches the award by Fife Environment Trust. There are still points to be ironed out but this phase will link West Blairhall Bing with Balgownie Wood. We are indebted to Forestry Commission Scotland who is to help with funding of the bridge over the Bluther Burn into Balgownie. This section of the route is the most difficult with 2 bridges required. Our thanks go to Donald Murdoch for his invaluable help in guiding us through our various funding applications.

Thanks also go to all our volunteers who helped in both manual and clerical work and especially to John for his herculean efforts.

Enjoy your summer, return refreshed in the autumn but we will be carrying out a last session shortly to clear a few overgrown paths.

Stan Welch 16 June 2011

WEST FIFE WOODLANDS

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS - 01/01/2010 TO 31/12/2011

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

INCOME

Opening Balance £12,043.89

Fife Community Grants £6000.00

Cambo Estate £1931.89

Scottish Power £100.00

Riding for the Disabled Ass. £296.28

Donations £100.00

Bank Interest £13.67

Total £20,485.73

EXPENDITURE

Schools Travelling Expenses Snowdrop Festival £901.90

Ordinance Survey £114.56

West Fife Enterprise £110.00

Multiprint £790.13

Levenmouth Y.M.C.A – Kinetic Theatre £4950.00

Insurance £226.54

Tax Deducted £2.69

Rent of Rooms £63.86

Goods bought Cambo £39.00

Group Expenses £493.77

Donation to Riding for the Disabled £100.00

Total £7,792.45

BALANCE £12,693.28

Muriel Colver, Treasurer

16 June 2011

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting

Blairhall New Community Centre: 12th May 2011

Attendance:

Stan Welch, Anne Welch, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Derek Abbott, Alistair Hendry, Jenny Crick.

1. Chair’s Welcome

SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies

John Le Marie.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting

Proposed by MC and seconded by GA.

4. Matters Arising

None.

5. Treasurer’s Report

MC reported an account balance of 19, 443.03.

Recently paid out for Kinetic drama group £5,000.

McClean Primary School £175.

Potter £125.

Waiting for invoices from Kenny Grieve and Helen Lawrenson

6. Correspondence

Received a card from the Guides who helped with car parking at Snowdrop Festival: thank you for the donation which they will spend on new maps and camping equipment.

Email from JLeM informing group of new Red Squirrel Officer for Fife, Sophie Eastwood. The group have been invited to attend a meeting on either 4th July or 12th September.

7. Update on Path Project

WFW has heard nothing from Leader. They still have half the funding from Fife Environmental Trust and will have to check the time scale that it has to be used in. DA suggested a phone call to Leader to enquire about the funding bid. SW will ask MSP at the next Valleyfield meeting to follow up enquiry. Forestry Commission will honour their pledge to do the bridge work over the Bluther Burn when all funding has been found.

JC gave an update about the work in Balgownie wood. The road upgrade is finished ready for harvesting. There will be halo thinning round the oaks and the aspen has been retained. During the operations the bell mouth to the main road will be widened to allowed forestry vehicles access and will be narrowed again at the end of operations.

SW asked for more work done on the parking area and possibly enlarged slightly. JC replied that the thinning operations may do that but we can look at the parking area once operations are finished.

JC also updated on operations in Tulliallan wood. Hopefully operations will start in August. After they are finished Forestry Commission will assess the roads and maintain where necessary.

SW mentioned the good quality of paths in Blairadam which have recently been resurfaced after the heavy rains.

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park

Fife Council has funding to carry out restoration work in the walled garden including the 3 staircases, to lift fallen stones out of the burn and reinstate the parapets on the 2 rusticated bridges and dredge the former canal. Work has not started yet. The Council’s heritage department in involved so WFW is positive about work being done to a good standard.

Cllr Walker and Kate Stewart of Fife Council have proposed a Friends of Group (FOG). The initial meeting has happened and another one will be arranged in the near future. DA asked if there was enough interest for a second group. WFW does not want to be heavily involved in FOG but will have a representative on it. They see FOG as a means to maintain momentum for the project and to draw more community members in, giving WFW time to concentrate on other woodlands. JLeM has drawn up a constitution for FOG and the RDA is keen to join.

9. AGM

16th June 2011 at Blairhall Community Centre. Speaker James Christie from the Woodland Trust.

Same format as past years, social, cheese and wine at the end.

JC has given her apologies for the evening but will be happy to stay on the committee.

JLeM would like to take a step back from the admin of the Snowdrop Festival. DA suggested bidding for funding to take on a ‘ranger’ or ‘project officer’, who would be responsible for funding the festival along with its organisation and promotion, thus leaving the WFW free to concentrate on the guided walks and activities.

10. Inventory of tools

Need to fix a date to get everything together and fill in the inventory spreadsheet composed by GA. Tools to be stored at Maggie Dalgleish’s over the summer when not in use. Winter season - participants to keep tools and bring them each session. GA is still trying to source a sickle head for the grass cutter at the RDA for the groups to share. Machinery may be obsolete and a new tool may have to be sought.

11. AOCB

The paths at the Blairhall W Bings have been cleared and the wildflowers are looking fantastic. Look out for orchids over the coming months.

AH glad he came along to the meeting to learn more about the group and how it was put together and works. He has enjoyed his volunteering sessions on Mondays.

12. Date of next meeting

16th June 2011 AGM.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 7th April 2011

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Malcolm Gosling.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Jenny Crick

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by GA and seconded by MG.

4. Matters Arising
Covered by agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £19,764.27. She also noted that £257.56 had been received from the RDA, this being WFW’s share of donations during the Snowdrop Festival.

6. Correspondence
Letter from Jim Tolson congratulating the group on the success of the Snowdrop Festival and in securing Big Lottery funding.

7. Snowdrop Festival debriefing
SW and JLeM summarised the festival outcomes. Attendances at the start of the festival were poor because of unusually wet weather. However things quickly picked up once conditions improved. Twenty two primary school bookings were taken for guided walks although one school dropped out at the last minute because of torrential rain. This compares with ten bookings last year. Four adult walking groups availed themselves of the guided walks, one being a Parkinsons group. The public guided walks at weekends were well attended once the weather improved and the snowdrops more advanced. The Kinetic young people’s drama group was well received although the RDA big shed proved not ideal for the actors to project their voices. The Dark Skies sessions were almost fully booked and as last year, the conditions for viewing stars during the evening were ideal. The woodlands crafts day went well and everybody appreciated the skill of the chainsaw carver, whose work is now on permanent display at the RDA. Sadly nobody turned up the first of the two starlight walks which proved to be quite spectacular and worth promoting strongly next year.

8. Action plan for Valleyfield Woodland Park
SW and JLeM reported on a meeting they had attended at which Fife Council outlined its forthcoming restoration works and tree thinning. £150k has been earmarked to carry out restoration of the walled garden and the two rusticated bridges, this work to start in the near future. Felling of trees is to be deferred until the bird nesting season has ended.

9. AGM arrangements
It was agreed that the next meeting would be the AGM and would follow the format of last year, ie there would be an invited speaker to follow the AGM and the evening ending with cheese and wine. SW suggested James Christie of the Woodland Trust as a possible speaker.

10. Tools inventory/storage
The group’s assets and their storage were discussed. GA agreed to create an inventory.

11. AOCB
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.30pm.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 5th May, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 3rd March 2011

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Malcolm Gosling, Derek Abbott, Mark Jeffery, Tim Havard, Maggie Dalgleish.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Jenny Crick

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by MG and seconded by GA.

4. Matters Arising
JLeM reminded the meeting that risk assessments need to be reviewed.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £21,451.02.

6. Correspondence
Email from FCS re. new access road, Devilla. Entrust reminder re, annual return. Thank you note and donation from St Leonards Guild.

7. Woodlands in W Fife project – Tim Havant, FCCT
Tim explained his role, which is to draw up management plans for each of the Council-owned woods in W Fife. To achieve this he has created a proforma reporting sheet. A sample of a completed sheet for the Blairhall W bing area was passed around the group. During the following discussion, SW welcomed the fact that this project is taking place and in regard to the bings in particular, said that WFW would be pleased to be involved.

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park
JLeM said he was still unclear about the timing of the tree felling and continued to have concerns about some aspects of the restoration proposals within the walled garden area. After discussion it was agreed he would contact Douglas Speirs, the Council’s archaeologist, and possibly Sarah Eaton at SNH.

9. Devilla Forest
Jenny Crick was unable to attend the meeting, so had emailed drawings of an access road from the A985 to the proposed sawmill within the forest. The group had no particular concerns about the road but would have preferred a roundabout on the A985 in order to provide traffic calming. This in turn could make a safe pedestrian crossing possible and open up possibilities of linking paths in Devilla to paths south of the A985, including the coastal cycle path.

10. Tools inventory/storage
Tools and their storage were discussed with no firm decisions taken. SW said it had been agreed that the group’s brush cutter could be stored at the RDA. JLeM expressed doubt about small hand tools and PPE being handed out to individual members without a record or their whereabouts.

11. AOCB
JLeM said that the application to LEADER had been re-submitted, at their request, with more emphasis on the community involvement in the Blairhall to Balgownie path project.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 7th April, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 3rd February 2011

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Malcolm Gosling, Derek Abbott, Jenny Crick.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Maggie Dalgleish.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by MC and seconded by MG.

4. Matters Arising
Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £21,264.51. This includes grants from Paths for All: £645; Awards for All: £9550; Fife Council: £1000.

6. Correspondence
Conditional offer of £30,000 from Fife Environment Trust.

7. Blairhall to Balgownie path funding
SW reported that LEADER had asked for a site visit. He and JLeM took representatives of LEADER and FET around the Blairhall W bing site. A decision from LEADER was now awaited. JC confirmed it may still be possible for FCS to contribute to the Bluther Burn bridge cost.

8. Snowdrop Festival
JLeM said that all the arrangements were in hand apart from details of the Woodland Crafts day. DA agreed to demonstrate bee keeping. This would mean 4 craft exhibits, which was felt sufficient.

9. Valleyfield Woodland Park
JLeM said he had been contacted by Theresa Hughes re. proposals to part restore the walled garden. He and SW had met with Theresa and other Council officials on site to discuss the work. It would include re-pointing the Repton arch, repairs to the back wall, repairing the curved flights of steps at each end of the garden and reinstating the central steps up to the middle terrace. A further proposal was to create a new ramped path down from the path N of the back wall into the garden. JLeM pointed out to Theresa at the time that this would cut through the 3 pine pits shown on the 1810 illustrated map of the Valleyfield Estate, the brick edges of which still remain. Later he had emailed his concerns, pointing out that all ability access to the garden could readily be achieved with a graded path down through the Repton arch, across the top terrace and out through the E doorway.

After discussion the meeting agreed it could not support the proposed new path which would damage valuable historic artefacts.

10. Updating risk assessments
JLeM said the group should revisit its risk assessments, particularly since the group was now insured to use power tools including a chainsaw. DA said BTCV was a good source of information and guidance could be downloaded from their website. He himself had copies which could be viewed at his Low Valleyfield office.

11. Tools
GA confirmed he had purchased further PPE with respect to the Paths for All grant. He had bagged up individual kits which he suggested regular woodland workout attendees could keep. JLeM advised that the group still had £250 to spend from the Awards for All grant.

12. AOCB
It was agreed that woodland workout sessions would continue through the snowdrop festival with the next session on the 7th.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 3rd March, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 4th November 2010

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Mark Jeffery, Malcolm Gosling, Maggie Dalgleish, Derek Abbott.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Jenny Crick

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by MD and seconded by MC.

4. Matters Arising
Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £11,725.06.

6. Correspondence
Letter from Ramblers Scotland (Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area) supporting the Blairhall to Balgownie Path.

7. Blairhall to Balgownie path funding update
Following the previous month’s decision, JLeM confirmed he had submitted an application to LEADER for £30k. This was on top of the £30k already requested from FET. He was hopeful that a decision on these bids would be known by early December.

8. Snowdrop Festival update
JLeM summarised the funding applications as being Awards for All - £10k, W Fife locality budget - £1k and the Mary Leishman Foundation - £4.025k. He said that the total required for the planned programme of events was £10.655k.

9. Finalised Valleyfield Woodland Park management plan
The situation regarding timing of the tree felling and restoration work was no clearer. JLeM said he would continue to press Theresa Hughes for dates. The finalised plan was to come before the South West Area Committee on 17 November.

10. Tools
JLeM said no word had been received from Paths for All regarding the group’s application for £2k of funding. GA advised that if the group was to share use of the RDA’s powered scythe, the most likely expense would be periodic replacement of the head at a cost of £300 to £400 pounds.

11. Monthly walks
SW and JLeM to put together a 6-month programme which could then be publicised.

11. AOCB
Agreed that for the time being Valleyfield Wood would continue to be the venue for the Monday woodland workouts. There being no other competent business the meeting ended at 8.25pm.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 2nd December, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 7th October 2010

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Muriel Colver, Malcolm Gosling.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Jenny Crick, Derek Abbott, Maggie Dalgleish.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by GA and seconded by MC.

4. Matters Arising
Agreed to delete the entry under Matters Arising.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £11,972.87.

6. Correspondence
Routine mailings from Volunteering Fife and other bodies.

7. Blairhall to Balgownie path funding update
JLeM reported that he and Donald Murdoch had had a meeting with Liz Poulsom of FCS re. funding streams. She agreed that the path was outside the Blairhall zone eligible for WIAT funding. DM asked if Forests for People was relevant. Liz explained that this fund was for developing events, tourism etc and not for capital projects. SRDP remains an option but only the landowner can apply (but not the Forestry Commission for the section of path on their land). It was therefore agreed that LEADER should be approached again, being as they had previously indicated they would consider an application if there were no applicable FCS funds

8. Snowdrop Festival update
JLeM said the bid to the BBC’s Community Wildlife had failed because they will not fund repeat events. With help from Donald Murdoch he had now submitted a £10k bid to Awards for All.

9. Revised Valleyfield Woodland Park management plan
SW confirmed a letter had been sent to Theresa Hughes expressing the group’s ongoing concerns. JLeM said he had been contacted by John Geddes who was revising the felling plan after FCS had said it was too severe. His proposal was now to reduce the percentage from 50% to 25%. This was to apply only to spruce and larch, other mature trees would not be felled. The proposed thinning of pole stage trees was not in question. He also agreed to retain a shelter belt of trees to the west of the RDA and to amend the felling of spruce on Repton Island from 100% to 25%, as elsewhere. The meeting was generally in agreement with the revised proposals, although GA had serious concerns about the potential damage to the understory and forest floor. JLeM agreed that this was regrettable, although he felt the woodland would quickly recover. Of equal concern was the timing in order not to interfere with the snowdrop festival. He understood that TH wanted to undertake the work this November but JG had told him that the WIAT funding is not available until January. This being the case he was hopeful the work could be deferred until at least mid-March.

10. Tools acquisition
JLeM said he had submitted a funding bid of £1000 to Paths for All for tools and protective clothing. GA said he had discussed with the RDA the possibility of the group purchasing a powered scythe and storing it at their premises. Because of space limitations the RDA suggested we continue to borrow their machine and share the maintenance costs.

11. Future of monthly walks
The poor attendance at monthly walks was discussed. It was agreed to hold an October walk and if the turnout was poor, the walks would be suspended.

11. AOCB
Agreed that the next woodland workout would be in Valleyfield Woodland Park.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 4th November, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 2nd September 2010

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Maggie Dalgleish, Muriel Colver, Mark Jeffery, Derek Abbott, Jenny Crick.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Malcolm Gosling.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by GA and seconded by MC.

4. Matters Arising
Covered by the agenda.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £11,990.07.

6. Correspondence
Various items of unsolicited items of mail passed to SW.

7. Blairhall to Balgownie new path progress
JLeM reported that Donald Murdoch had spoken to Ashley Birrel (FET) and Barbara Solway (LEADER) and both seemed keen on the path project. They had indicated they might want to see the proposed route. JLeM thought the group should hold a workout session to tidy up the existing paths in anticipation of a visit. This was agreed for Monday 20th Sept. The possibility of borrowing a motorised scythe from the RDA was discussed. DA said he would investigate whether the group could borrow a machine from FC&CT.

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park management update
JLeM said that as far as he was aware there had been no changes to the plan. SW apologised for not having written a letter to the Council expressing continuing concerns. DA felt this letter should be sent in order to distance the group from any backlash after the felling. SW/JLeM agreed to write before the next South West Area Committee meeting.

9. Woodland workouts programme
JLeM said he had had a meeting with Corinne McKinley and Claire Bloomfield about Kinetic performing at the 2011 Snowdrop Festival, at which Corinne expressed interest in involving trainees from West Fife Enterprise in woodland workouts. She would investigate possible funding. JLeM said this was only possible if the group was able to obtain more tools/protective clothing or if WFE was able to do the same. DA thought that supervision was the issue and suggested a maximum of six trainees at a session. JLeM said he would liaise with Theresa Hughes about work the group could do in Valleyfield Wood. The other option would be the former Blairhall Colliery site where there is an urgent need for thinning.

10. September walk arrangements
It was agreed that the venue would be Maspie Den. JLeM said he was still trying to borrow the audio walk iPods. The arrangement for car sharing would be to meet at the main ASDA car park, Dunfermline, 9.15am to arrive at Falkland by 10am.

11. AOCB
The question of ragwort control was raised, with concern about it growing on land near to the RDA. JLeM cited guidance from Plantlife, in association with the British Horse Society, which says that where land is not grazed or used for forage, ragwort has biodiversity benefits and does not require control. DA pointed out that ragwort is the food plant for the cinnabar moth and certain other insects. He predicted that attitudes towards ragwort are likely to change over the coming years as biodiversity moves up the agenda.

Post meeting note: The Defra code of practice on ragwort defines it growth within 50m of grazing land or land for conserved forage as high risk, in the band 50m to 100m as medium risk and low risk if 100m or more away. Prevailing wind and other factors also need to be taken into account. People pulling the plant should wear PPE and regulations apply to its disposal.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 7th October, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre.

West Fife Woodlands

West Fife Woodlands - A community group dedicated to the
preservation, enhancement and accessibility of West Fife's woodland areas

West Fife Woodlands Group

Note of Meeting
Blairhall New Community Centre: 12th August 2010

Attendance:
Stan Welch, Anne Welch, John Le Marie, Geoff Aze, Malcolm Gosling, Maggie Dalgleish, Muriel Colver, Mark Jeffery, Liz McMullan, Derek Abbott.

1. Chair’s Welcome
SW welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Apologies
Jenny Crick.

3. Minutes of Last Meeting
Proposed by GA and seconded by MD.

4. Matters Arising
JLeM requested further discussion on the disposal of 3 local woodlands. LMcM understood the seller to be RJB Mining. She and neighbours had concerns about the woodland at Valleyfield Brae, which she believed to have TPO status. DA suggested she check this as orders can lapse. In the case of Comrie Dean he thought that this might in fact be owned by FC. JLeM cited the experience of residents at Saline trying to make Saline Glen a SSSI. They had been told that there is not the political will to notify any new SSSIs. He therefore wondered if FC could be persuaded to designate Valleyfield Brae and Comrie Dean as Local Nature Reserves (LNRs). DA did not feel the group would succeed in the present financial climate. Purchase of the woods by the group was discussed but rejected because of the liabilities that would result.

5. Treasurer’s Report
MC reported an account balance of £11,989.23.

6. Correspondence
Letter and forms from Catherine Erskine re. 2011 Snowdrop Festival. She is proposing the formation of a festival partnership, not confined to Fife, with an initial subscription of £20. The meeting agreed that WFW should join but was undecided about joining the partnership committee.
Email from John Geddes saying he would look into the sourcing of replacement planks to repair 2 vandalised seats in Valleyfield Wood.
Email from Lynn Hoey, FC’s Locality Manager, enclosing an Area Budget Project Information Form. She has indicated she is prepared to provide funding for the 2011 snowdrop festival, but not for repeat activities such as drama by Kinetic.
JLeM said he had sent a LEADER Expression of Interest to FC re. funding of the Blairhall to Balgownie path.

7. Blairhall to Balgownie new path
JLeM said that Colin Peacock had recently visited Balgownie with FCS civil engineers and has indicated that FCS may be able to pay for the bridge required over Bluther Burn. At the same time there had been a change in the funding plan. Donald Murdoch now believes we should apply for £30k from LEADER (any higher and consideration of the bid goes outwith FC) and £30k from FET. This combined with FCS’s contribution would be sufficient to complete the planned 1st phase. There was then discussion on the wetland area between the bing site and Balgownie and whether this section would be made a boardwalk for habitat protection. DA said he considered this unnecessary provided that a path consisting of aggregate was provided with adequate transverse drainage. The meeting therefore opted for aggegate, since this would be horse-friendly, whereas cost restraints associated with a board walk would render it of insufficient strength for horse riders (a key target group).

8. Valleyfield Woodland Park management
DA asked if Theresa Hughes had answered questions raised at an earlier meeting that she had attended about the proposed management plan. JLeM said not directly although he had been forwarded an email send to Cllr Bobby Clelland which went some way in clarifying the issues. It was agreed that SW/JLeM should draft a letter to Theresa asking her to reply to the group.

9. West Fife Orchards
DA reminded the meeting that members of WFW were invited to the North Fife Orchard Survey on Thursday 26th Aug 7-9pm at Cairnie Fruit Farm by Cupar. JLeM agreed to recirculate the invitation to members. He also said he had been revisiting old Valleyfield literature and had found that Repton’s proposal was for the ‘beautiful recess by the gardener’s house’ to be planted with ‘ornamental fruit trees and flowering shrubs’, whereas Louden in 1841 referred to the walled garden as the ‘kitchen-garden’ with ‘at one time a fine display of terraces, fruit trees, and ornamental beds’. It is possible that late in Preston’s life or sometime after his death the walled flower garden did in fact cease to be devoted to flowers. However JLeM thought the newly formed Valleyfield think-tank might want to follow Repton’s plan. An orchard near the ruined gardener’s cottage would fit in with MJ’s long time desire to reinstate the former kitchen garden area as a community garden.

10. Walks programme
It was agreed not to resume monthly walks until September. JLeM suggested a walk at Falkland’s Maspie Den. He agreed to enquire whether the audio walk will still be available.

11. AOCB
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.50pm.

12. Date of next meeting
Thursday 2nd September, 7pm, Blairhall New Community Centre

West Fife Woodlands

West Fife Woodlands - A community group dedicated to the
preservation, enhancement and accessibility of West Fife's woodland areas