Castle Crawford Wood, a phallic-shaped woodland affectionately called ‘Penis Woods’ that has greeted travellers on the M74 for about 200 years, is being chopped down, and only the tip of the distinctive outline remains. Scottish Forestry permitted the removal despite a petition backed by over 2,700 signatures opposing the felling, which began this week and is nearly complete.
Woodland’s History and Distinctive Shape
Perched on Tewsgill Hill just off the M74 south of Biggar, the woodland has been ‘welcoming people to Scotland’ for two centuries due to its phallic silhouette. Originally planted in the 1800s, Castle Crawford Wood appears on maps dating back to 1849. The site has been felled and replanted several times throughout its history, but the current removal has sparked local anger.
Scottish Forestry stated the wood had reached ‘the end of its natural lifecycle’ and was experiencing ‘significant windblow’, leaving many trees unstable. A spokesman for Scottish Forestry said: ‘Following assessment and public consultation, Scottish Forestry has approved the felling of the woodland, which is in progress. This forms part of the wood’s long-established management, with the site having been felled and replanted several times throughout its history. The area is required to be restocked with an appropriate mix of tree species, helping to ensure a sustainable woodland long-term.’
Petition and Local Opposition
The campaign to save the woodland, known locally as the ‘Treenis’, gained over 2,700 signatures. The petition starter wrote: ‘The Penis Woodland is a cultural landmark visible from the M74 in Scotland. This iconic cultivation is going to be felled. It’s not just any woodland, it’s a penis-shaped woodland, visible from the motorway.’
One supporter commented: ‘This stretch of woodland is not only a memorable and wonderful landmark for those who have seen and visited it but holds so much life within that would otherwise be lost with its destruction.’
Farm Manager’s Statement on Replanting
The shepherd in charge of the day-to-day running of the farm issued a statement explaining the decision: ‘We feel that, for the safe keeping of the wood itself, it has to be done sooner rather than later as the damage will get worse and it will look nothing like a ‘T’ in a few years if we don’t. We plan to get it back to its former glory ASAP. This is not for any financial gain. Once re-replanted and fenced, it will probably leave a loss.’
He added: ‘There are a lot of trees down which will be rotting, and a lot that are still standing are dying swell. We’ve sorted these things before, but eventually comes a time when you need to cut your losses and completely fell it and start again. If you want it to have any chance of staying the shape it is for hundreds of years to come, it’s the only way to do it.’
The felling is nearly complete, with only a tip of the woodland remaining. The area is required to be restocked with an appropriate mix of tree species, aiming to restore the shape for future generations.
