Picture Murray MacRae
The Gurn understands that some residents
bordering the A96 opposite the industrial estate are less than pleased by some
work that took place over the weekend on conifer trees that border the
industrial estate. Concerns are reportedly the loss of amenity, and potential
loss of habitat for wildlife.
The trees look as though they were originally
planted as hedging and have been left to their own devices for a number of
years. With such neglected plantings the question one day arises about what to
do with them. There is a school of thought that the trees were attended to by a
squad of contractors working for BEAR Scotland which would make sense, as the
trees are on the grass verge bordering the road, although a considerable
distance back from the A96. If indeed it was BEAR that had the work carried out
then they will have their corporate reasons for doing so. Any debate that
arises will perhaps centre around the amenity and screening aspect as the trees
would have had little value for wildlife and any birds that might use them for
nesting will probably be happy to use the higher branches that remain. The Gurn
also understands that representations may be on their way to at least one of
our Community Councils. It is certainly one for debate, one citizen’s idea of
careful tree surgery can be another’s blot on the landscape.
This may be a moment for local
representatives to consider what amenity planting of native species could
perhaps take place on the verge to further screen the industrial estate and add
to the visual aspect of the entrance to Nairn from the east. Obviously in these
cash strapped times there would have to be community involvement in such an
initiative should it come forward and find favour and support with the BEAR
folkies.