The Felling of the Plantation at Learney

Heading up the B993 north of Torphins this afternoon, we were surprised to discover the triangular Scots Pine plantation to the left of the road (just before the drive to Learney House) in the process of being clear-felled. Only one or two trees remained standing, and it seemed likely that these too would be gone before the end of the day.

This view is taken from near the top of the former plantation. Fresh sawdust still covers the stump in the foreground; in the distance, a new view is opened up down the valley, while in between lies the rough ground where the trees once stood.