Munlochy felling due to begin

Forestry and Land Scotland is advising that members of the public are advised to follow all site safety signage and stay out of work zones when felling at the Black Wood (nr Munlochy) begin later this month.

The forest operations will take about 6 weeks to complete over a 16ha area and will include thinning and clear fell work.

FLS Harvesting Forester, Joe Whitelegge, said;

“The Blackwood isn’t the busiest of recreation woodlands but at any of our working forests, public safety is always paramount.

“Forestry operations are inherently dangerous – for staff and especially for visitors - so we will be closing off parts of the forest while we work, including a very necessary exclusion zone around the immediate work area.

“There will be site signage in place and we would ask all visitors to observe any directions they are given. There are also a number of local alternatives that people can visit instead and still enjoy a relaxing walk in the woods.”

The felling work is in line with the approved, ten year land management plan for the Inverness woodlands, which runs until 2033.

The local FLS team is in the process of carrying out the standard pre-operational surveys to check for the presence of any protected species’ activity and adapting our plans as might be required.

Joe added;

“This is a standing sale site, where the company that has bought the timber will be carrying out the felling and extraction work.

“However, as with any such sale, we carry out pre-operation checks on site and advise the contractor of our findings so that they comply with all environmental law during their operations - that includes doing the work at this time of year, outwith the breeding season.

“Plantation habitats are hugely beneficial for red squirrels in particular, so some people get quite worried for them.

“In reality there is little risk to the squirrels because, as research has shown, they are actually very adept at moving to quieter parts of the forest while we’re working and then moving back when we’re done. They’re also very able at adapting to the changes that occur in a plantation forest over time.”

The overall amount of suitable habitat for red squirrels on FLS land remains relatively constant, although it’s distribution varies in space and time as crops mature and others are felled.

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. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot