With the clear-up of storm damage in forests in Aberdeen and across Aberdeenshire likely to continue for months, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is asking members of the public to use their common sense when visiting local forests.

Although some forests continue to be closed for safety reasons, others are slowly beginning to see a return of visitors.

The latest information on forests in the area can be found online.

FLS’ East Region Manager, David Leven, said;

“Our teams and contractors are working flat out to deal with the horrendous levels of storm damage in the forests we manage. It’s going to take months in some places to clear it all up and there will continue to be a high level of risk, which is why some of our forests will remain closed.

“However, there are some forests where access is beginning to open up again.

“We would advise everyone to keep checking the website for the latest information before leaving home and that when they do arrive at a forest to follow some simple rules to keep themselves and our staff safe.”

FLS is asking all visitors to :

• always obey signage
• stay well away from work areas
• if a path or trail is blocked, turn back (if you can’t get through easily neither can emergency services)
• do not walk around, climb over or duck under felled trees

David added;

“It is important that people exercise some common sense and minimise the risk for everyone. Failing to follow the advice will only disrupt the clear-up operations and mean that it will take even longer before we see a return to full access to Aberdeenshire’s forests.”

Notes 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.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.