Situated beside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, School Wood is an outstanding ancient woodland supporting exceptional biodiversity. Following a visit to the wood in 2002 the late Dr Adam Watson, ecologist and authority on the Cairngorms, recognised its high value. He commented in the press, “Nethy Bridge is exceptionally fortunate in having this incredible amenity and educational site beside the village. It would be tragic if this irreplaceable asset were damaged by .. housing development”.

With others, BSCG has been campaigning to save School Wood from development threats since 1993. So far no development has taken place. Appreciation of the value of the site has grown. Reflecting this, in their next Local Development Plan the National Park Authority has removed the area allocated for 15 houses in School Wood “due to significant natural heritage constraints”. BSCG has welcomed this. However the new Plan is not due to be formally adopted until later this year. Unfortunately, the present Plan still includes a housing allocation.

The above letter by Roy Turnbull emphasises that it is now more unacceptable than ever to propose this precious ancient woodland as a building site.

This letter was published in The Scotsman on 13 March 2020.

Adam Watson in School Wood in 2002.