Plea for public to help stop vandals

Forestry and Land Scotland is appealing for members of the public in Aberdeen to help stop antisocial behaviour.

Illegal vehicular access has blighted Tyrebagger, where scramble bikes have caused £1000 of damage to a recently resurfaced path, and Kirkhill, where 4x4s have damaged formal and informal trails through the forest.

Tyrebagger and Countesswells have also been hit by fly tipping.

Fiona Robertson, FLS’ Area Visitor Services Manager, said;

“This mindless vandalism and anti-social behaviour is out of order and totally unacceptable.

“Our forests are there for everyone to enjoy and some people have a blatant disregard for anyone else but themselves.

“We’ve had to spend in the region of £6000 on path repairs and dealing with fly tipping. It’s a lot of money that we should have been using to make our forests even more attractive places to visit.

“What is especially galling is that in less than a week after finally being able to re-open the Countesswells car park and Forest after three years of closure, we had someone fly tipping.

“All of this has an impact on all of our visitors, not just on us as land managers. With the best will in the world, we cannot be everywhere all the time, so we are asking members of the public to help.

“It’s really important that nobody puts themselves in danger by confronting anyone but if people can pass us registration numbers dates and times if they witness these types of behaviours, we can inform Police Scotland.” 

Dealing with the aftermath and clear-up diverts FLS resources and staff time from planned work.

Registration numbers and details of incidents can be emailed to enquiries.east@forestryandland.gov.scot or to Police Scotland by dialling 101.

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, Senior Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot