Usually these commercial forests here ins Scotland are not native species of trees, so they often aren’t great for local wildlife insects etc. maybe you can propose being able to cultivate a broader area behind your property yourselves and commit to planting native species of trees and hedges, and propose it as a ecological initiative partnership to them? Often these companies are looking to say they are being ecologically sustainable etc, so maybe they’d be open, and you could have some lovely Scottish trees behind your place that could fill out over time? Just a thought. Sorry you’ll lose the peaceful forest feel though. I used to live on the edge of a commercial forest in a different part of Scotland and it definitely has a special feel of calm even if it’s non native trees and a business at the end of the day ❤
I was going g to say something along these lines. I would do trees on my side of the fence. I.E. above where the car park will be, where the trampoline is, etc. I also think the patio you did that and they do the proposed trees across the fence then it would be about the same or not as bad as no trees at all.
Yes this was my thinking. This is something we are thinking about as well as we are surrounded on two sides pretty much by commercial forests and know one day they will be gone… so thinking of planting native trees along our boundary… but we also get loads of deer so would need some good fencing for when they are young!
You could always plant native Scottish trees around the border of your property, giving you your own mini forest. And also help the wildlife and biodiversity 😇
Yes! I thought of this also. There are probably a bunch of babies that are below those older trees. Just transplant them to the border of your property and make your own forest on your land!
Aww, I love you two. I hope you read this ❤ I’m so sorry you’re losing the forest. I live in Edinburgh and have been growing an oak sapling for 6 years. When I got him he was a single twig with 2 tiny leaves, I called him Phil (Oakey). He’s now a strapping 6ft. Anyway, what I was trying to say is, we were planning on buying a little wood where we could plant him and he’d be safe to live a long happy life, unfortunately that hasn’t happened. So, because you two are wonderful people I’d really like to give him to you, he’d be safe & free to stretch his limbs (he’s currently in a very big pot) and I know you’d look after him. I don’t have a big enough garden for him 😢 Let me know if you’d like him. Not a forest, but a start ❤
Beautiful gesture! My Scottish grandmother planted a tiny oak tree late in life. She said it was for those who came after she'd be gone and she was right!
Every house we bought had gorgeous trees around it, making a natural haven. And within a year, the adjacent lot was clear-cut & a house put as close to our property line as possible! So we made sure to BUY the adjacent lots when we got our retirement property (something we previously couldn't afford to do).
Architect here 👋🏻 so enjoying watching your project. You should use the same cladding as on the extension to cover the block on the corner/back side of the house and take it to where the stone starts. Use it as an accent material ☺️ “Go hard on your home!” 💃🏻
Sorry to hear the trees are going to be harvested, but it is obviously a plantation which has reached its max height and age. I’d definitely be looking at growing a border of native tree and shrub species pronto, so you won’t have to look at the mess left behind.
The Woodland trust has a good selection of native trees and can supply as many as you need to build a screen on your side of the boundary. The different packs they offer cover a good range of different tree varieties depending on your location and environment.
Grow your own veg in raised beds on the sunny bedrock section! You'll already have bees around for the wildflowers and will save money on produce, plus they'll be organic. You can also plant native Scottish trees or trees for a temperate rainforest climate along the border of your property to create a screen. Fir, pine, maple, alder, elm, and dogwood would do well.
I would start planting some quick growing saplings so in 20 yrs when they take out the trees next to your property you have a bit of a buffer. I'm lucky, I live in BC Canada where we have giant cedars surrounding us.
The trees will be felled and a magical view will appear and then slowly the newly planted trees will grow and change the landscape once again and that is the beauty of Mother Nature.
Those trees are Sitka spruce and when l first saw your video l thought it would not be long before they are harvested, they are grown because they are fast growing, however nothing grows under them and wildlife is scares because they are so dense and a lack of light.. You may get a great surprise at what comes up after they are felled, ie bluebells and foxgloves. Work with the forestry owners about what they replant near your house you want so broadleaf, or even better Scottish heritage fruit trees. Also talk to them about a picking licence, with this you can pick up leftover felled wood, you cant use a chainsaw but could carry out firewood and maybe some pieces that can be used for projects.
The right tool for the job is your friend. Soil, rocks, etc. are way too heavy to move such quantities by hand. Rent a little Bobcat/skid steer to help.
It does look weird when they first chop down the forest, but it soon recovers and in the meantime you get stunning views of the hills around you. Love your channel. You make me laugh out loud and I love your energy. It’s going to be such a stunning home. Good luck! :)
As someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest of USA we are surrounded by tree plantations. Don't fret! You will be shocked at how quickly the trees respond once they are replanted. Trees can only sequester so much carbon, when they get to be a certain size. Planting new trees allows for more carbon sequestering. My one tip is to be careful when driving around log trucks. Lots of fatalities in my area from dropped logs on the road.
I was just going to write the same thing. I also live in the PNW. Prepare yourself, listening to trees bring felled is gut-wrenching and the aftermath looks horrifying. BUT, the ability of the forest to regenerate is amazing to see. The first year will be horrible but then the grasses and weeds grow up, then the wildflowers, then the deciduous weed trees and slowly the replanted evergreens.
Ok so as a forester I couldn’t let this one go unaddressed. Unfortunately, this is really not a realistic take on trees and carbon sequestration. Yes, their ability to sequester carbon slows as they age, but they become exponentially more efficient when it comes to actually storing the carbon in the second half of their life. When the trees are cut down, that carbon is then rapidly released into the atmosphere. The natural process (a tree falling or becoming a dead standing tree) releases the carbon back into the atmosphere at a much slower rate as they decompose. Just wanted to make sure you’re grasping the full picture and not justifying massive tree cutting operations by giving a blanket statement that the new trees will be able to sequester more carbon since they’re younger.
No but do you actually need top soil for wildflowers? We removed the top soil in our garden when sowing wildflower seeds.. I think it’s about preventing weeds from out competing the wildflowers! It’ll be beautiful when you’re done x
Composite decking is actually really good. We have a house which sees extreme weather in the winter, and the decking is easy to shovel, sweep or hose off depending on the time of year. The best part is it doesn't warp, splinter, or rot in cold or heat. It's not bad for choice of colors. Grey usually looks good against most backdrops. Does your land end at the fence? Whether it does or not start planting trees now. Ask your local experts which trees are native, quick growing, and sturdy against Scottish weather. Add a few evergreens for a difference. They grow slower, but they do grow sturdy. Don't plant them too close together, they spread like a middle-aged backside from too many biscuits!
Honestly, guys - I cannot believe how much work you’ve done already, especially considering the other life challenges your loved ones are facing! So excited to continue watching your progress (although, like you, I am GUTTED about the forest!)!
Sorry about the trees. Alot of comments with great ideas to remedy the situation. I wouldn't know what to do. It will all work out. You are amazing with what you have done so far. I love watching. 💕💖💕🤗
- Anyone standin' out to you? - no! You guys have such a wonderful style! RU-vidrs in general would always do something similar but then they have a long monolog about why they love one of the colors or whatever. Trev is just like: "NO". What a great girl!
It's such a shame they are tearing it down. Maybe you could buy mature trees and plant them around your property line so you still have some lovely trees. Even line the driveway with trees? Love that you love Scotland just as much as us Scots. ❤
You both are so fun to watch. Sorry about the bad news on the trees. I think that the area behind your planned flowers should have large plants and a tree or two. Some nice landscaping to give privacy in the coming years and be a wind blocker too. Your place is coming together! Keep up the hard work. You can do it!
I wouldn't be to worried about the tree work. Hopefully they will replace with native broadleaf trees. The forest being taken isn't very good for soil as it's acidic leaf litter and lack of light for ground plants. Ask if that is the plan for at least some of the restock. I used to work in conservation. Hope that helps relive some concerns. Good luck with the build your doing well 👍
I live about 150 yards from the bank of the Jefferson river in the Montana Rockies....its still spring runoff, we actually had 4 inches of snow last tuesday morning.... today its 80 .... but I swim in a side channel every warm afternoon...today I saw a cow moose and her calf, beaver, otter muskrat mink and deer, white pelican soared thousands of feet above, on their six foot wingspan, bald eagles in the cottonwoods, Ospreys feeding their nestling warblers dashing through the undergrowth, the air filled with the olive drake hatch ...rivers ....are astounding places in my heart...
The planted forest you showed is an ecogical desert; it will be much improved as the single-species of fully-grown trees (which block all sun from reaching the ground) start to be removed, allowing a more diverse undergrowth that wildlife need for food & cover. My husband & I manage our 200 acre wildlife habitat in the Ozarks of Arkansas, and it's now brimming with deer, turkey, bobcats, etc.
The decking in winter is super Slippery and unable to walk on… In Northern USA, Minnesota, everyone used it for Docks and decks but if you have freezing rain and snow for months- it’s impossible as you can’t even walk on it! A deck with wood will last for twenty years! Several neighbors had it but then had to replace it within a few years. Depends on your climate.
You can see that it's a commercial forest - the trees are too close together - so no sunlight hits the forest ground. Hopefully they will do a selective cutting - just thin it out so the existing trees can actually flourish. OOppps - I commented too quickly. Sadly, it sounds like it will look a forest graveyard. I'm so sorry.
For the cement wall (former yellow) with the glass-door in it, a mosaic in shades of green to match the forest or shades of blue to match the skies would be stunning!
Afternoon lads. The cottage looks stunning with everything out in bloom from the drone shot 👌. Hope you are getting this belting weather we are having here in Northumberland ☀️😂
I live in the New Forest where a similar thing happens. It does look devastating when they are first felled BUT within a year nature claims it back and you'll get ferns, heather's, foxgloves. It's a different landscape but just as beautiful.
Like the old lady that I dream of being, I’ve started going needlepoint. Recently just finished a llama “family” and started on the character from Southpark. My goal is to get good enough that people would like to have framed pieces of mine. All of that to say, one day when your home is finished I’d love the Kings to send me a photo of the exterior so I can do a needle point of it, frame it and send it to have in your home… just my little dream
It might be even more special to have a needle point of the CURRENT house to hang in the new space, as a reminder of the 1st house they bought and what came before. 💜
Hey guys! Cottage is coming along nicely! Great job! So about that composite decking, we have that and let me tell you we regret not getting the lightest color possible. The darker colors get soooo hot in the summer that you can’t sit out on it without smelling the plastic and feeling the heat radiating off. We have to wait for the sun to be off it for an hour or so before we can use it. Do yourselves a favor and go super light on the color. I love everything you’re going for with your new home. Can’t wait to see it finished! ❤️
I know you are putting resources into the house but can you ask them to buy a couple of acres as a buffer around your home. just a pie in the sky idea!
Guys, i am so sorry to hear about your forest but more perturbed that this information was not initially disclosed to you upon the consideration of your purchase of the home/property! I hope you can travel during the times of all the noise during the felling and also, please prepare your property as needed for possible debris slips since the forest and all the mess from chopping is going to go down toward your place! Im praying for you 🙏 ❤️ 💛
You could put in some berry bushes or fruit trees next to your car park. Also you could start planting a tree boarder between your house and the forest that’s being cut down. I’m sad with you guys about the forest, but hoping for the best!
Q. How are insulating the cottage as you indicated that you wanted the bare granite? Indie Projects - Bee & Theo converted an old building into their home & Theo ‘pointed’ the stone work & it looked amazing! Loving your work ethic & your dream will come true! 💜💙🇦🇺🐨🍻
I noticed at time stamp 28:02 and I was wondering if that was an area that was recently cleared of trees? I think it is outrageous to cut down any of those trees surrounding your property. But as you said, it is a commercial forest. A border will certainly help the peace and tranquility of your home. You guys are killing it on clearing up the space. So much hard work going into the place. ❤ Until the next video, take care!
I would cover the area that is not granit with the same panel as you will have on the new extension. Then it will match and look like you had a plan. Can you buy a bit of the land that is wood and save some close to you? And put up a small webcam in the bird house and you can follow the birds visiting.
The trees had been planted for harvesting after 30-50 years then replanting. The forest is not a forest, it’s a plantation. They are all over Scotland.
Watching from Australia 👋🇦🇺 Terrible news about the Forrest 😔 I’d get the opinion of a landscape gardener regarding planting your own big trees to boarder your property- at least 2-3 deep 👍🏼
If you pay for ne to come from the US to you I will hug a tree as long as I can so sad it's such a beautiful forest and to think the trees are probably older than we are ❤
Maybe you should plant your own natural privacy against the back side of your property so that you have some sort of natural screen when they cut the trees down behind you. We built a trellis and planted jasmine because it vines (we live in Florida). Just look for something that grows quickly and vines easily. Just a thought. Love watching you tackle your renovation!
Definitely plant some native species of trees around your property. It would be lovely. But it’s sad all the same to see the other trees going especially since they were supporting life. Also watch out for rats eating from your bird feeder. It’s super common unfortunately as I discovered. They’ll climb anything to get to food! Best of luck with the renovations 😄
You are still having fun which is great to see 🤣 perhaps on that top part of the wall as it’s in the sunshine you could have some raised beds to grow some fruit and veg?
Man, I'm devo about your forest! Spent good part of my youth being chased by police through Tantawangalo to save trees, be more than happy to bring my expertise over there to help you guys out! ❤❤
You're an inspiration the way you deal with things guys. I'm waiting for our precious local meadow to be built on (it's been years but activity now), the only natural place i can get to with my children. It's neverending isn't it. It will be hard but your home will still be beautiful and it will work out I just know it. You are so strong. The views will be beautiful once you get used to them. And I think the ideas about making your own native tree border are great. X
Hi guys! Just a thought on the deck, what if the top of the carport for custard was a deck? It’s close to the top of your back property, so you could either build up a little to get up there, make a bridge, or add a ladder! Sun bathing, add a hot tub up there, and an ice bath!
It's not a natural woodland. Look how close the trees are growing together. This has happened close to where we stay, you'll be amazed how quickly it regenerates.
You look absolutely banging in that short cute wig! So cute. I really love the curly one that you wear alot and I guess for safety reasons the short one’s prime for all the DIY stuff. Amm’s, love…. You are rocking it!
You'll have and see a lot more animals. The reason is the food will be lower and the ground cover will get sunlight producing more cover to hide and bed in. Love this video
Composite decking looks great and lasts well, but if you get a lot of sun (!?) you won't be able to walk on it with bare feet (or bare doggy paws) as it gets ridiculously hot.
Hello lovely’s fortunately, yes, unfortunately at the trees down, but they do a plant them which is a good thing in a great job. Keep going To see the finish take care😊
Composite deck/fence was one of the best decisions we made! Think about color of house&outdoor furniture that you have/want.ours started to fade just a bit after 5-6 yrs,nothing major. We live in Colorado so MAJOR SUNSHINE.
Love watching you guys! ❤ Gutted about the forest, did you know it was commercial before you purchased?? I say plant as many of your own trees as you can around your boundary then hopefully the impact won’t be soooo bad. Wouldn’t be so fussed on all that noise during the felling though! Maybe plan a trip away?!
You brighten my day! renovation videos motivate me to sort my place out…so envious of your garden! Sad news about trees but you’ll still have some around you not in the wood & a wonderful outlook 😊 perhaps some of the surrounding birds in the wood will flock to your gorgeous garden ❤ you can aid all the wildlife that’ll be impacted 🙏
The upper area above the wildflowers is a great veg garden space. Most veg need full sun so the more the better when planning on growing food...plants eat sunlight and turn in to food
You guys are my favourite youtubers. You always put a smile on my face. Environmental student here so my suggestion would be to grow all native wildflowers above the driveway. The diversity of plants is helpful for all sorts of insects, birds, and small rodents. A new home if your forest has to go and much better than monoculture grass lawns that provide no habitat for widlife and require a lot of pesticides to keep looking nice.
I do know how you feel. I use to live on the border of a pine forest and i walked my dogs in it all the time and it was lovely. After a while it was over taken by 4wd enthusiasts and it wasnt safe to walk in. We have moved from the area now but driving back through we have seen most of it chopped down and replanted and its sad it was so beautiful. I hope you get to keep some of yours as i know the feeling of walking through one is awesome. Much love.
What a shock about the forest. Maybe we could all "adopt a tree". If the company agrees maybe we would have enough trees to border your property. Hugs from Canada.
Commercial planting has a lifespan and though the first year after clear fell is bit brutal the new planting goes in quickly and you notice a difference relatively quickly ..I guess alot of steep learning curves 😢
I love that you guys are in Scotland! We live in Inverness! Love paddle boarding and found some pretty lush lochs near by so if you ever up this way I can point you in right direction!
