Winter visitors to Roseisle Forest will need to follow diversions that will take them around Forestry and Land Scotland thinning operations and help ensure their personal safety. 

A series of rolling closures will be in place from 1 November until at least the end of January 2024 as the felling team makes its way through the forest and completes the work programme.  

Niall Cordiner, FLS’ Area Visitor Services manager, said; 

“Thinning operations involve removing weaker less viable trees to provide more space for the best trees to thrive and grow on to maturity. It also lets more light fall to the forest floor, encouraging other species of trees and plant to grow.  

“Thinning work is highly dangerous so there will be some diversions in place and it is really important that visitors heed all the safety signage while the work is underway and do not trespass onto the work site. 

“While there will be some areas that are out of bounds Monday to Friday there will still be plenty of areas of the forest that are still accessible. There will also be no restrictions at the weekend when no felling will be taking place.” 

Although heavy machinery might seem to be far off, the safety cordon around worksites is large because of the risk of ‘chainshot’. This occurs when the high-speed chains that drive the harvester heads break and chain links fly off - in any direction - with the force and equivalent impact of a bullet. 

Visitor incursions into work zones also require that all work has to stop until the individual leaves. This can mean that the overall programme of work takes longer to complete.   

Niall added;  

“The diversions might be a small inconvenience but we believe that our visitors will totally understand that public safety – and the safety of our staff – is top priority.  

“We would like to thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and understanding.” 

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.