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Mum's fury at forest litter louts at Craig Phadrig wood, in Inverness


By Louise Glen

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Emma Connell with her daughter Jessica.
Emma Connell with her daughter Jessica.

A mum who is 35 weeks pregnant has asked people to “please, please” tidy up after themselves if they are out in the forest near her home.

Emma Connell (32) says walking in the woods at Craig Phadrig has gone from being a lovely experience to a “full-on clean-up” every time she takes her two-year-old daughter Jessica.

Craig Phadrig is a forested hill fort which is believed to date back to the Iron Age, around 300 BC.

Rubbish collected at Craig Phadrig forest.
Rubbish collected at Craig Phadrig forest.

Ms Connell, who lives in Kinmylies, said: “I have had enough of picking up rubbish and not saying anything about it.

“I want to have a lovely walk in our beautiful forest but instead, I end up picking up a bag full of rubbish, dog poo bags and I could easily go back with two bin bags to collect more.

“Every time I go a walk there I come back with a load of rubbish. There are poo bags everywhere, in the trees and by the side of the path, and there is broken glass and cans all around the place.

“I have even seen that people have left behind sleeping bags.

Rubbish is strewn all over Craig Phadrig forest.
Rubbish is strewn all over Craig Phadrig forest.

“I get it that people want to be outside with their friends enjoying the countryside and that the restrictions on inside gatherings means that more people need to meet outside, I just do not understand why they will not pick up their rubbish.

She continued: “I am so disgusted at the amount of rubbish strewn throughout the forest from uneducated teens and adults camping out or just having a fire and drinks. It is so disappointing to see that people think that it is OK to ruin our lovely forest.”

Paul Hibberd, Forestry and Land Scotland’s regional visitor services manager, said: “Many local people have told us how much they value the woodlands at Craig Phadraig, as a space to get some exercise, walk the dog or just relax.

“We remind all visitors to respect the woodlands and other users and behave responsibly.”

He urged people to call 101 to report any issues.

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