Nevertheless the birdmen feel that the trees have already destroyed large parts of a priceless habitat

Nevertheless, the birdmen feel that the trees have already destroyed large parts of a priceless habitat. Even though most of their own ground is still clear, they see the forest as a major threat; they are worried that the trees are drying out the bog, and that, as trees grow larger and more dense, they will provide an ever more secure base for predators such as foxes and hooded crows."This habitat is indisputably of the highest importance, even in global terms," says Norrie Russell, the RSPB's local manager. "Most of it has been notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it's the only biological site put forward by Britain for the latest tranche of World Heritage Site listings."Already, on its own territory, the RSPB has done what it can to reverse the decline, blocking up drains to restore water levels and felling 500 acres of young trees. In a block once owned by the snooker player Hurricane Higgins the spruce and pine now lie in serried ranks, like fallen soldiers, too poor and scrawny to be worth collecting.

In time they will rot; the drainage ditches will gradually fill with silt and moss, and the site will return to the bog of ages.The Forsinard reserve has quickly proved to be a major attraction, pulling in between 5,000 and 6,000 visitors a year, and putting much-needed money into the local economy. Many people travel from Inverness on the railway that potters up Strath of Kildonan alongside a single-track road.In an excellent visitor centre, established in the old station building on the platform, the most riveting display is of hen harriers nesting: by infiltrating a television camera close to a nest, the wardens have secured live coverage of the mother bird ripping up kills and feeding them to her chicks. For an intimate look at the bog and its plants, visitors can walk out on the mile-long Dubh Lochan path, which winds between dark pools, and feel the peat quake beneath their feet.Fortunately, relations between bird-men and foresters are cordial; in spite of their different objectives, the two sides work together in harmony, so that after a period of fast change the wilderness is now settling down to a steadier future.. SO YOU'VE made the decision to tackle your garden. But before you start ripping out the plants you never really liked and replacing them with trendy must-haves - the scented ones that remind you of that holiday in Tuscany, for instance, or the edible ones the latest TV gardening shows say are essential to any contemporary garden - stop and think. There are so many things to consider when trying to create the garden of your dreams - the hard landscaping, for one, not to mention the unpredictable nature of the plants themselves, but perhaps the most fundamental thing is whether or not you are the right person to achieve your dream.

Enthusiasm is important but unfortunately it isn't always enough. Which brings me to that rapidly expanding species: the garden designer. If you want a garden with a highly designed look, using a designer is an obvious path to take. But, as with rooms inside a house, there are pros and cons to employing a designer. And as a designer myself, I have to admit that we are not always the answer. But let's run through the pros first.A good designer will see your garden with fresh eyes - important if you've been looking at the same view for years. He or she will be adept at assessing the parts of your garden that work well and those that don't. Experienced designers will work creatively as well as practically when crafting a space.

The practical aspects of garden design are just as important as the creative aspects: an aim has to be achievable, and sustainable through maintenance. Remember this equation: maintenance equals time.Drawings of the proposed design will show you the long-term masterplan, and help you to visualise what you are getting. Realistic budgeting is crucial, and dealing with landscapers or builders is all part of a designer's job (specifying materials and plants as well as getting estimates). There are new landscaping materials (paving, fencing, pergolas are just a few of them) coming on to the market all the time.