Forestry and Land Scotland is advising forest visitors to observe all safety signage and diversion signage when felling work begins in Dalbeattie forest at the end of this month (28 Sept).

The work, which will affect an extensive area (18ha), is part of the local team’s planned commercial harvesting programme.

Lesley Smith, FLS Communities & Communications Manager, for the area, said;

“We’ll be carrying out a significant amount of work at Dalbeattie between now and Christmas. We have to remove about 8000 m3 of timber from the forest and about 10% of that will be larch.

“Public safety being our top priority, there will be restrictions to access for some 7stanes trails, as well as other diversions.

“We appreciate that this is a really popular location and it will cause some minor inconvenience, but it’s vital that we get this felling done.

“We would strongly urge all visitors to observe and follow all safety and diversion signage and to check our website before any visit to find out what is and is not off limits.”

The Dumfries & Galloway Core Path 20 from Dalbeattie to Colvend, although affected, will not be closed – and banksmen will be in place to help ensure that anyone using the path only passes work areas when it is safe for them to do so.

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 0131 370 5059 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.