Visitors urged to help protect forest habitats as year-round fire ban remains in place at Glenmore
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is reminding visitors that campfires and solid-fuel barbecues remain prohibited throughout Glenmore all year round, despite the Cairngorms National Park Authority's seasonal fire management bylaw ending at the close of September.
The message follows a summer in which parts of Glenmore Forest Park were affected by wildfire, highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of fire in woodland environments and the importance of responsible visitor behaviour.
FLS staff have also reported evidence of an increase in fire-related activity since the seasonal bylaw period ended, reinforcing the need for visitors to follow existing restrictions and help protect the forest from future incidents.
The year-round restriction has been in place for several years and is designed to help reduce the risk of wildfires while also protecting one of Glenmore's most valuable natural resources – its deadwood habitat.
Often, fallen branches and other deadwood is collected and burned for fuel. This material can look expendable, but deadwood plays a vital role in the forest ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a wide range of insects, fungi, birds and other wildlife.
It is also an important feature underpinning the conservation value of Glenmore, which includes areas designated as a National Nature Reserve.
Forestry and Land Scotland Regional Visitor Services Manager Paul Hibberd said:
"Glenmore is one of Scotland's most important native woodland areas and a special place for both people and wildlife.
"While the National Park's seasonal fire bylaw has now ended, FLS's year-round ban on campfires and solid-fuel barbecues remains in place. The ban helps minimise the risk of wildfires and protects the deadwood habitats that support the forest's rich biodiversity.
“Deadwood is a vital part of a healthy forest ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a wide range of wildlife, including insects, fungi, birds and small mammals. As standing and fallen trees and decaying branches break down, they recycle nutrients back into the soil, supporting new plant growth and improving soil fertility. Around 60% of all living creatures in a forest such as Glenmore rely on deadwood as part of their life cycle, it is vital this resource is retained.
"We would ask all visitors to help care for this special place by respecting the restrictions and following any local guidance during their visit."
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers 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 stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot