Storm Recovery work
Added at 11:52 on 28 October 2025
Please find below a very recent email that was sent to the local Communty Council summaring our progress and plans. Thanks again to all volunteers who helped with the clear-up.
To: Secretary, Lochardil and Drummond Community Council
We understand that the Community Council are considering the effects of recent storm damage at the next meeting. We thought it would be helpful to let you know about the storm impacts at Culduthel Community Woods, about our recent work and our plans. Please can you send this email on to all members of the Community Council and make it available to other as you see fit. I have copied this email to the three local Councillors for information.
The two recent summer storms (in early August and in early September) have caused substantial damage to trees at the woods – several very substantial mature trees have been uprooted or broken. Several of these large trees have fallen across paths and roads. Thankfully, no-one was injured. We are very aware of our responsibilities as a landowner to others and have already undertaken tree surveys and felling of dangerous trees over several years to help keep people safe. This work has been taking place since we took ownership the woods and has been assisted by financial contributions and advice from the Highland Council. It is notable that during both storms, several very large trees (both from Culduthel Woods and from other adjacent land) fell across the roads and pavements at Culduthel Park, completely blocking in all the residents at Culduthel Park for a period of time.
As I’m sure you are aware the Culduthel Woods Group is a Charity, and all of the work described below was done by volunteers. We estimate that several hundred hours of volunteer time were involved, including over 30 individuals.
In summary, since the two storms we have so far worked very hard as follows:
- Several very large trees were cleared from the road at Culduthel Park by local residents including some people who regularly volunteer with the Culduthel Woods Group. The blocked road was cleared within about 16 hours of the multiple very large trees falling. This work saved the Council, as roads authority, from doing the work and the job was done much quicker than could reasonably be expected of the Council, given other work priorities across Inverness and Highlands.
- We removed all obviously dangerous hung-up trees as soon as possible and made them safe using appropriately qualified contractors as appropriate
- We cleared all paths of branches and twigs
- We liaised with local firewood suppliers to extract large trees near the roads as soon as possible
- We kept the public informed of all this work, as far as possible, via our social media channels
We are currently working on the following issues:
- Mapping any remining hazards (e.g. trees with hanging branches) so that we can take further advice and resolve as appropriate
- Liaising with some neighbours who have contacted us directly re. concerns about adjacent trees
- Repair of our entry-point sign that was damaged by falling tree
- Preparing to chip the limbs and branches close to the roads and paths
- Planning to sell some the large oak and beech that have come down and/or have it milled for future use
- Making plans to replant some areas
- Arranging further training for our volunteers in assessing tree safety
- Reviewing our approach to safety and recovery work arising from storms
Looking to the future, it is clear we are likely to see more storms like this. We would encourage the Community Council and The Highland Council to support and celebrate the work of local groups and volunteers who do work of this kind. The work involved can be potentially dangerous, and it is important that we prioritise everyone’s health and safety and that people understand the risks involved and how to manage them effectively. Also, trees place a very important place in our quality of life in this part of Inverness and should be replaced, replanted and managed appropriately wherever possible.
Finally, would it be possible for the Community Council or The Highland Council to provide some funding or other support for training of volunteers to help with tree hazard assessment and storm recovery work of this kind?
If you need further information on any of the above – or any photos – please let me know.
Yours sincerely
Murray Ferguson
Chair; Culduthel Woods Group
Charity Number: SC049665,
07729 049809