Forestry and Land Scotland is urging the public to take notice and act on the safety signs erected as felling continues at Beinn Ghuilean.

The warning comes as some members of the public appear to be ignoring the safety signage, putting themselves at great risk.

Felling at Beinn Ghuilean started in January in order to tackle larch trees which have been infected by Phytophthora Ramorum.

The diseased trees and those in the surrounding area are being felled to help slow down the spread of the disease.

Jo Maclean, FLS’s Communities and Visitor Services Manager said:

“It’s vitally important that all members of the public take heed of the safety notices and follow them.

“Ignoring the signs and walking into restricted areas where the felling work is in operation is extremely dangerous. I am urging all visitors to please keep well away from work zones at all times.

“We are working hard to complete the felling as soon as we can and expect it will all be completed during the summer this year. To date the works are all going to plan, however, if we find further infections of the tree disease we may need to extend our felling operations.”

FLS is also asking the public to help prevent the spread of the disease by brushing off forest debris and mud from their boots, walking gear, bike wheels and dogs’ paws before and after visiting the forest.

Access restrictions are in place from the Tomaig Road/Narrowfield entrance and as well as other locations near the work machinery. There will be no through route and/or access along this route for the duration of operations.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) was established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, following completion of the devolution of forestry as a result of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018. It replaces Forest Enterprise Scotland.
2. The purpose of FLS is to manage forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. FLS may manage other forested and non-forested land by arrangement, as set out in the Act.
3. The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
4. forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
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