Terrific Trees at Shambellie
The grounds surrounding Shambellie House are classified ancient woodland and have a rich variety of wildlife and biodiversity. The woodlands are a very important ecosystem comprising of native species, some planted impressive specimens and a rich and structured network of fungi and plants that has taken hundreds of years to form. The grounds demonstrate a complex relationship of trees, plants, wildlife, fungi, ferns and mosses. Woodlands like this are rare throughout the UK and are sanctuaries for species whose ideal habitat is only created over hundreds of years of ecological processes.As part of out plans to develop the Shambellie House site for visitors, the local community and its wildlife we have been working with Arborist Sam Boley to carry out a survey of the trees. Sam is the Woodland Manager for the Cowhill Estate at Holywood and we are very grateful to him for volunteering his free time to do this piece of work.
The ancient woodland around Shambellie contains lots of mature trees including Beech, Oak, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Larch. There are networks of paths throughout the woodland where significant and spectacular trees can be seen, and we will be working on developing routes highlighting specific trees, as well as explaining some of its amazing biomechanics where tree development is shaped by the growing environment. We will be creating a tree ‘halo’ around these areas, so that they can be seen more clearly, that is clearing nearby trees and scrub.
As with any review, the study has identified some areas of concern where trees have had fungal attack, have unstable roots, are in decline/dead or hold a potential hazard in terms of dead wood, cracks and broken limbs, particularly in high use areas near pathways and buildings. Various fungus already identified are Honey Fungus, Brittle Cinder Fungus and Stag Horn Fungus, all of which threaten the viability of certain trees. It will therefore be necessary to remove deadwood and overhanging limbs from some trees and in a few cases dead trees will need to be removed completely. On these occasions we will always try to make use of any timber we remove and aim to plant more trees as directed by our landscape management plan. However, our aim will always be to try to allow the woodland to regenerate naturally as it has done for hundreds of years.
It is a brilliant resource to inspire, enjoy and help improve health and wellbeing. With this in mind, a number of courses planned for the spring programme will make use of this fabulous resource. Frank Hayes is delivering a course on 2 April ‘Connecting with Landscape’ in which he will uncover creative and engaging ways of exploring the landscape to create expressive and observational works. On 10 April storyteller Allison Galbraith will deliver her course ‘Finding and Telling the Stories you Love’, helping to connect you with the folklore of the surrounding landscape, flora and fauna. Allison co-write ‘Dancing with Trees’, a book telling tales which describe our relationship with nature and landscape. And not forgetting our family friendly programme, on 16 April we will be inviting you to try to find sprites in the woodland.
