Mountain bikers and other forest visitors are being advised that the Dalbeattie Richorn (7Stanes) car park will be closed at the beginning of February.

The move will allow Forestry and Land Scotland, which looks after the 7Stanes trails and the surrounding forests, to carry out harvesting operations.

It is hoped that weather permitting the operations will be completed in time to re-open the car park for Easter.

Katharina Koehler, FLS’ Area Services Visitor Manager, said;

“Unfortunately, the forests here have fallen prey to tree disease Phytophthora ramorum, which mainly affects larch, generally killing the trees.

“There is no known cure or remedy for this disease. However, felling infected trees helps to slow the movement of the disease to new, unaffected forests.

“For public safety, we will have MtB diversions in place from Dalbeattie Townwood but car parking spaces here are very limited.

“We would ask forest visitors to park with consideration to local residents and minimise any impact on businesses by parking in designated areas only.

“While these essential forest works are being completed at Dalbeattie visitors may be interested in exploring our other nearby MTB destinations at Mabie Forest, Forest of Ae and Kirroughtree.”

Works are scheduled to be completed by 31 March.

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.