Firstly, the Lily Pond at the south end of the woods has suffered some vandalism. Newly planted trees have been pulled out and thrown in the pond. The area is covered in litter, with dozens of assorted alcohol bottles floating in the pond – strong evidence that this tranquil spot is being used as a drinking den. ‘This is particularly disappointing since the quality of the pond has been improved greatly with £8000 BIG lottery funding’, said DCWG convenor Isobel Knox. ‘I am especially upset at the thought that this damage may have been perpretated by young people that I have worked with, delivering John Muir Award – where they learn about conservation and respect for the environment. Obviously I have no idea who is responsible, but I know there is an element of youth who are running loose, especially at weekends. I am very keen for young people to enjoy time in the woods, but I would appeal to them not to trash nature, and to take their litter out to dispose of responsibly – there are litter bins in the woods. The community police have been alerted to the problem by myself and local residents, and are now patrolling the area more often’

The historic buildings in the wood are under threat from vandalism. The ruin known as the ‘Old Laundry’ has stood firm for many years, but is now being undermined. ‘Broken glass is everywhere, and stones have been kicked out’ said Isobel. ‘DCWG has no wish to see this piece of history demolished, but the feeling of Dunbar Community Development Company, who are responsible for the building, is that it is dangerous and should be removed. Its looking increasingly likely that it will have to be taken down to a safe height’

After high winds at the beginning of October, a group of trees gave cause for concern as cracks appeared running all the way up their trunks. ‘These ten trees had been maliciously poisoned about five years ago’, explained Isobel. ‘They had holes bored in their bases and, we suspect, a toxic substance poured in, causing fungal disease. We were hoping that they might recover, but a few of them split in the gales. We had to bring in our tree man to fell them’. DCWG apologises for disruption to access in the woods.

Also this month, Forestry Commisssion grants have arrived after a long wait, to take forward a substantial programme of work, and the Management Group are appealing for the public to be patient and understanding when the thinning and felling of the old spruce and pine trees commences, at the turn of the year. A complete sector of the woods will be out of bounds for a week or two while the harvesters are on site. There are plans for a public meeting and briefings to school children nearer the time.