The local High Life Highland countryside ranger and a team from Friends of Newtonhill Woodland have given the popular willow bowers at Newtonhill Croft Woodland a makeover.

Ranger Marina Swanson was part of the group that worked to cut back the bowers to make them healthier and allow for stronger regrowth during the spring and summer months.

The bowers were planted several years ago and each year the dead parts are cut off and the new growth woven back into the structure to create a dome.

Each year as the willow has grown, strong winds on the exposed site outside Wick have caused damage to the structure. This has made weaving not an option this year.

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Although the cutting back looks severe, Marina said the willow will soon grow back and by the end of the summer "there may be an option to create a new dome or another interesting structure".

She added: "Live willow bowers are great fun for youngsters but also need maintenance each year to keep them in order.

"Their appearance drastically changes over time and they are a fun way of helping educate about the seasonal changes in nature.”

The Friends of Newtonhill Woodland have various volunteer events during the year. On the weekends of March 14/15 and April 4/5 there will be tree-planting days and the group would be delighted to receive help from members of the public.

People are asked to bring gloves, drinks, a snack and suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Tools will be provided but those taking part may wish to bring their own spade.

For further information email bill.ros1@btopenworld.com or find on Facebook.

At the start of this month work was carried out on a path upgrade in the dog loop area of the woodland.

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