Clearing the woods next to Mauricewood road

I was just wondering if anyone knew why some trees had been cleared away next to Mauricewood road?

I was told by one of the workman that it was to remedy subsidence.

Possibly caused by some old mine shaft collapsing.

Thanks, I also noticed that a small area further along had been fenced off by the coal authority and saying something about mining.
To think that they want to build houses in that area as well