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Inverness beauty spot improvements plan lodged with Highland Council





Another of the proposed 'no-dig' paths will be run next to the pond.
Another of the proposed 'no-dig' paths will be run next to the pond.

A beauty spot in Inverness looks set to get new paths and wildlife habitat improvements after plans were lodged with Highland Council.

The Culduthel Woods Group has applied for permission to improve and add to the existing path network within Culduthel Community Woods.

The improvements are part of a new path project aimed at improving accessibility for all users of the picturesque six-hectare woodland site, while also improving existing infrastructure and protecting the environment.

And the volunteers who make up the Culduthel Woods Group have stressed that no felling of trees is being proposed to accommodate the new paths.

In supporting documents lodged with the application, they said: “The aim of this new path project is to promote active travel and to improve access to and through the woods, between the surrounding residential areas and key local facilities, such as the Inverness Royal Academy and Culduthel Christian Centre.

“Through the construction of new and improved paths and entrances, important connections will be made to the wider active travel networks, helping people to walk, cycle and enjoy the local area.

The route of one of the 'no-dig' paths proposed for the woodland.
The route of one of the 'no-dig' paths proposed for the woodland.

“It is paramount that these proposals are sensitive to the woodland character and do not damage existing mature trees. The woodland is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and the objectives of the group promote sound long-term stewardship of the woodland, compatible with the TPO.”

Measures proposed include the creation of so-called ‘non-dig paths’ made out of several layers and crushed stone lain on top of the existing surface so as to protect the tree roots underneath.

Other improvements include new signage, enhancement of the existing pond habitat in order to remove excess silt and boost wildlife and biodiversity, as well as work on existing stone walling, drainage, and the installation of dropped kerbs at the woodland’s entrances.

The documents also include images of some of the proposed improvements.

An artist's impression of the dropped kerb and path entrance into Culduthel Avenue near the IRA.
An artist's impression of the dropped kerb and path entrance into Culduthel Avenue near the IRA.

The statement added; “The proposals will make the existing paths durable and accessible, so that they encourage users of all levels of physical ability to enjoy the woods and to benefit from active travel connections through and beyond the woods.

“To achieve this aim it is proposed to construct paths of two-metres width with a crushed rock fine-dust wearing surface. Bitumen macadam (or asphalt concrete) will be used as the finish to a small length of the proposed new paths at the Culduthel Avenue entrance, where the path gradient reaches 1:12 and so requires a sealed surface to prevent erosion.”

The group added that while the work on the new paths will result in the loss of no trees, a tree survey carried out ahead of the project “has identified several trees in poor condition where felling is recommended as part of woodland management operations”.

A proposed path through the meadow.
A proposed path through the meadow.
One of the entrances to the community woodland.
One of the entrances to the community woodland.

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