Stay safe and avoid storm damaged areas

Forestry and Land Scotland is urging forest visitors to steer clear of several of its forests across the north that have been affected by winter storms.

For public safety, car parks and trails at several destinations have been closed, including Feshiebridge, Uath Lochans, River Oich and Torr Dhuin.

It is anticipated that in some locations clearing the storm damage could take months.

Paul Hibberd, FLS’ Regional Visitor Services Manager, said;

“The recent winter storms have hit some of our forests in the north very hard. Woodlands in Strathspey and around Fort Augustus have lost thousands of trees.

“We have already started the clear-up operation but there is a large amount of work to do. As well as the fallen trees themselves, it is likely that some paths and bridges have been damaged by the storm.

“There is also the risk posed by hanging trees – those that have been blown over but have been caught on standing trees. These can be highly unstable and can fall with little or no warning.

“We are asking members of the public to help us by staying away from the affected woodlands for the moment.

“We don’t want anyone risking their personal safety by venturing into our forests until we can make them safe.”

“We are continuing to assess the damage with a helicopter survey this week.

FLS is asking visitors to:

always obey signage
stay well away from any work taking place
if a path or trail is blocked, please turn back
do not walk around, climb over or duck under fallen trees

Visitors are advised to check FLS’ website for up-to-date information.

Notes to editors

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