Recommencement of felling works at Beinn Ghuilean

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is to resume felling works at Beinn Ghuilean in the week beginning 2 February.

The felling operations will remove larch trees that are affected with the disease, Phytophthora ramorum, a disease that would ultimately kill the trees.

Pre-emptive felling is required to remove any public safety risks and to help slow the spread of the disease to currently unaffected areas.

It is anticipated that the felling operations will be completed in spring 2027.

Dave Curtis for FLS’ West Region team, said;

“We initially took steps to tackle this issue back in 2020 when we felled a number of diseased larch.

“We hoped at the time that we had done enough to conserve the remaining larch but unfortunately that has proved not to be the case.

“Due to a number of storms over the last 18 months windblow damage is increasing with walking and mountain bike trails becoming impassable in a number of places putting users at additional risk due to overhanging trees.

“We have shut a number of trails and now intend on working to make the site safe again.  

“We appreciate that this will have a marked effect on the landscape but with no treatment or remedy available, felling is the only action that we have open to us.”

Members of the public are urged to observe all safety signage and stay out of work zones.

Proposals for Beinn Ghuilean in the years ahead include ongoing timber production, the removal of all existing conifers within the next 5 years and the planting of broadleaved species and Scots pine on lower slopes.

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.
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