Trail re-opens after complex felling in Leanachan completed

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has cleared storm damage from Leanachan Forest, near Fort William, ahead of schedule, meaning that popular forest trails can be re-opened.

Badly affected by storms last year, windblown trees in part of Leanachan Forest had not only blocked routes but had also affected Nevis Range's very popular “Blue Doon” mountain bike trail.

The highly complex and dangerous work, which was begun in November last year and had been expected to run to the end of April, has been completed well ahead of schedule thanks to fair weather and great, on-site teamwork with stakeholders including Nevis Range and the Highland Council.

David J Robertson, FLS Area Visitor Services Manager, said:

“Clearing windblow is very dangerous work but weather conditions have been kind and we’ve already been able to clear the site of 5000 tonnes of storm damage, with much of it destined for timber mills in Lochaber.

“We channelled a significant amount of resource into protecting Nevis Range’s mountain bike trails and worked with our stakeholders, contractors and standing sales merchant to also ensure that the site was left in as good a condition as possible.

“You can really see the value of this hard work and the condition on site is really good, ready to hand back to our lease holder Nevis Range.”

The challenges of managing visitor safety in such a busy forest while such complex operations were being carried out were met thanks to Highland Council’s pragmatic approach to temporary path closures, and to the cooperation of user groups in Leanachan, including the Lochaber Trail Association and Fort William Park Run.

Chris O’Brien, Nevis Range Managing Director, said;

“We're delighted that the work has been completed, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of customers back to ride Blue Doon!”

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