[BITList] Scotland's Forest

[Bill and Diana]

Hi Dave and others,

We too visited Queenstown a few years ago.  The visitors information 
centre was open so we popped in for a cuppa and a chat.

The dowdy dames behind the counter served lamingtons made by the local 
CWA and tepid 'earl grey' whilst foisting upon us maps and suggestions 
of places to visit.

What struck us was the sense of pride they had in their town.  They 
quoted 'Tidy Town' awards, destination of year etc.  All of this was in 
stark contrast to what our perceptions had been, which was utter 
desolation due to mining.

It's true, the lunar like landscape is a bit confronting compared to the 
pristine natural areas away from Queenstown.  The ladies explained to us 
that the desolate hillsides were as a result of mining practices that 
ceased over 100 years ago.

Mine tours are now conducted to highlight the efforts of the locals to 
restore the area to what nature had intended - all good stuff.

I didn't see any Tasmanian Tigers running around, but neither are the 
Glaswegians expecting to see any wild haggis cruising up Sauchiehall 
Street yet - time will tell.

Salaams



The scars of

David Harvey wrote:
> Interesting Hugh,
>  
> A canvas mill, that's a new one on me, I assume a mill in the true sense 
> of the word, waterwheel and so on.
>  
> As to trees, why not then and why now? That's nature. In Tasmania the 
> fumes from the Queenstown lead, zinc and silver mine and the processing 
> plant were responsible for stripping the surrounding mountains (hills 
> elsewhere, mountains by Australian standards), of all foliage, down to 
> the bare rock. So much so the devastation in itself became a tourist 
> attraction. In later years, since the mine was closed, pockets of 
> vegetation have started to appear, now doubt in crevices where debris 
> has accumulated and broken down. It is possible, given time, that the 
> mountains could once again be re-vegetated. Unbelievably, local tourist 
> operators complained about the regrowth of trees.
>  
> Dave
> 
> 
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