Beinn Ghuilean access restrictions tightened

Forestry and Land Scotland has restricted access to Beinn Ghuilean, near Campbeltown, after members of the public have refused to follow safety signage and crossed barrier fencing into work zones.

It had originally been intended that for the duration of the felling operations, access would be available at evenings and at weekends. Access is now being limited to weekends only.

Felling works began in the week beginning 11th February and are anticipated to continue until spring 2027.

Dave Curtis for FLS’ West Region team, said;

“Originally we’d planned to allow public access to the western side of the forest through evenings and weekends.

“However, this proved to be unsuccessful with individuals not respecting the fencing or signage in place so we are having to restrict members of the public to weekends only and not within the active work zone."

The felling operations will remove larch trees that are affected with the disease, Phytophthora ramorum, a disease that would ultimately kill the trees.

Pre-emptive felling is required to remove any public safety risks from weakened, diseased trees, and to help slow the spread of the disease to currently unaffected areas. The operations will also clear windblown and storm damaged trees that are blocking access and are potentially hazardous.

Dave added;

“Windblown areas of forest are inherently dangerous. Hanging and windblown trees might look ‘stable’ but they can roll, slip or fall with the slightest of touches. Depending on how they have fallen, they can also be ‘spring-loaded’ and if that energy is released suddenly the results could be extremely serious, if not fatal. 

“In addition to that, accessing a site where a serious tree disease might already be present runs the risk of the spores that cause the disease being transported from one location to another in the mud on shoes, bike wheels or even dog paws.

“That would result in us having to carry out even more precautionary felling.

“We would strongly advise that anyone who visits any forest at any time should always pay attention to safety signage, observe the restrictions that are in place, stay out of work zones.

Proposals for Beinn Ghuilean in the years ahead include ongoing timber production, the removal of all existing conifers within the next 5 years and the planting of broadleaved species on lower slopes.

Noted to Editors

1. 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.
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