AMAZON SMILE Please consider supporting Friends of Duchess Woods when shopping on AMAZON by using this link https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/SC039527
RUBBISH BINS Whilst the future of bin collections is discussed between Argyll and Bute Council and Luss Estates, LEC are continuing to empty bins although this service can not be guaranteed in the longer term.
BMX BIKES We are aware that there has been some work in the wood by persons unknown in constructing a BMX cycle course. We have been in discussion with both Luss Estates (owner) and Argyll and Bute Council (manager) of the woods and it appears that, despite neither having been approached for permission to do the work from an access point of view walkers, horses and bikes can exercise their right to access as long as they are responsible. From the photos there appears to be nothing terribly permanent about the structures and there is no sufficient engineering aspects that would call for planning department involvement. The council view is that they have only enhanced the lumps, bumps and shapes that already exist.
We encourage all uses to make use of the wood in a responsible manner being cognizant and sympathetic of other users.
DOG WASTE – GOOD NEWS Argyll and Bute Council has now resumed emptying of the Dog Waste Bins .
COVID -19
During the current phase of the covid-19 crisis we will not be organising any voluntary activity in the wood for the foreseeable future. In the meantime there is a significant amount of information available to help you keep safe – including guidance on keeping fit and taking exercise. Good starting points are https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
We wish you well during this challenging time.
Future of Local Nature Reserve Status for Duchess Woods
https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/18265445.question-mark-future-duchess-wood-helensburgh/
GOOD NEWS
Friends of Duchess Woods have now been informed by Argyll and Bute Council that the Duchess Woods are now officially open now that they have completed work on trees and fences etc
