Reader TTS

SUPPORTED BY RANGERS, TREE INSPECTORS AND OTHER COUNCIL STAFF WITH EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA, THE TEAM ARE WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH OVER 800 PUBLIC ENQUIRIES REGARDING TREE ISSUES AROUND WEST

LOTHIAN CAUSED BY THE STORM. ROSS THOMSON 13:50, 11 Feb 2025 Work to tackle the thousands of trees that have come down in West Lothian due to Storm Eowyn is ongoing. West Lothian Council’s

team of arborists and contractors were working throughout the Red Weather warning to clear trees that had fallen on public roads, and continue to do so. Supported by Rangers, tree inspectors

and other council staff with experience in this area, the team are working their way through over 800 public enquiries regarding tree issues around West Lothian caused by the storm. When

safe to do so, sites were surveyed to ensure the most critical jobs were attended to first, such as trees posing potential dangers or blocking major roads or paths. READ MORE: Struggling

West Lothian wedding venue staff get reassurances on future In some cases, the team were unable to clear trees for safety reasons, such as in Kirknewton, where a tree was on a power line and

required Scottish Power Energy Networks to attend. Work is still ongoing to clear up the damage caused to West Lothian’s trees by Storm Eowyn. Some sites were made safe at the time, and

will require further work when resources allow to clear. In some locations, deadwood has been left to increase biodiversity either as monoliths, which is where a standing dead tree has

branches removed and the trunk remains, or as habitat left in place to provide a home for wildlife and nature. Executive councillor for the environment and sustainability Tom Conn said:

“Huge thanks to everyone in the council who worked to keep services going during and after the recent Storm Eowyn. READ MORE: Seven candidates named for West Lothian By-Election taking place

next month “Our arborists and contractors played a vital role in ensuring safety and keeping roads and paths accessible in the aftermath of the storm, as did all the other staff who

supported this essential work. “Thanks also to our communities who have assisted by reporting fallen trees. Your patience as we continue with clearance work is appreciated. “The team

continue to be very busy dealing with all the issues created by the high winds, and work will ongoing over coming months. “Please be aware that some dead trees are left as monoliths,

decaying naturally to provide a habitat for nature and promote biodiversity in appropriate locations. Article continues below “Please don’t remove any deadwood or cut timber you find, as it

may have been left in place deliberately to support the natural environment.” DON'T MISS THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WEST LOTHIAN COURIER. SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER HERE.