Forest thinning work begins mid-February

Forestry and Land Scotland’s South Region team is advising members of the public that work will soon be underway to prepare for tree felling in Mark Hill Forest, Kippford.

Preparatory work – to make the forest road ready and to clear roadside ditches – will begin the week commencing January 27 and felling will commence from mid-February.

The thinning work will open up to forest, letting in more light and creating more space for remaining trees and ground plants to flourish.

As well as making the woodland more attractive for wildlife, the thinning work will also make it a more attractive forest for visitors.

Mark Johnson, for the local FLS team, said;

“Mark Hill Forest is a really popular spot with the local community as well as the many visitors to the area, so we understand that there will be a lot of curiosity when the heavy machinery moves in.

“We’d like to reassure people that the thinning work we’ll be doing is really important for improving the woodland and the various habitats that it offers.

 “By opening up the space and allowing more light in, lower storey plants get more of a chance to thrive. This is great news for insects and smaller animals and encourages an increase in biodiversity that really enriches the forest.

 “Visitors will still be welcome to the forest while the work is ongoing but there will be safety signage in place, and on occasion we will have members of staff on hand to advise visitors and help keep them safe.

 “We would strongly urge anyone coming to the forest in that time to adhere to any and all safety and information signage.”

 It is expected that the work will be ongoing until the end of July.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot