Bin Forest Huntly – Original planting ordered by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon in 1839
The results of various searched regarding the original planting of the Bin Forest in 1839 are show in the PDF which can be accessed via the link below this text.
Noteworthy is the claim that the 2300 acres or so were planted within the year 1839, the planting taking place in the winter spring period, with a break for the summer months and then some more planting in the latter months of the year. Over 6.5 million trees were used in the process leading to conjecture as to where all the planting stock was procured and how it was delivered. This would be a very significant organisational challenge to day with modern transport, forest roads in place and rapid nationwide communications.
There is no indication of how many planters were employed but in one publication, not quoted here, there was the suggestion that unemployment was high in the area at the time. A price of 16 shillings per acre for planting is quoted!
The ‘rickle’ dyke is still in evidence in parts of the forest and the Bin Moss road, much upgraded, is still used.
See PDF link below
Download Large Version (1.6MB)
Groups: Forestry Areas, Northeast Scotland