Work on diseased trees at Beinn Ghuilean starts in New Year

Forestry and Land Scotland has advised that trail restrictions around Beinn Ghuilean, by Campbeltown, from January – April 2020 will be extended further than was initially intended.

The closures – to facilitate the felling of diseased trees affected by Phytophthora ramorum – will now include more of the forest road because trees will be felled to either side and the heavy plant needed to fell and remove the trees will use the forest road both as there only way in an out of Beinn Ghuilean.

Tommy McGrory, FLS Planning Forester, said;

“Having made further assessments of the site and the work that we need to do, we’ve taken the decision to extend the safety zone beyond the area that we had originally intended.

“We’re still looking to get some preliminary tree felling and site preparation work out of the way in mid-December so there may be some restrictions in place but these will be lifted for the Christmas holidays.

“When we start back on 6 January, access restrictions will apply from the Tomaig Road/Narrowfield entrance and there will be no through route and/or access along this route for the duration of the operations.

“Safety signage will be in place and as we have already advised, all visitors should observe and obey the safety signage in the forest, even if there appears to be nothing happening on site. However, although the work zone will be strictly a no go area, the rest of the forest will still be accessible.

“We apologise again for any inconvenience that this might cause.”

The impact of the disease can be devastating for larch and there are no remedies for it, other than to fell any affected trees before the disease has a chance to spread to other larch trees nearby.

Visitors can also help stop the spread of the disease by following FLS’s ‘Keep It Clean’ advice and brushing off forest debris and mud from their boots, walking gear, bike wheels and dogs paws before and after visiting the forest.

The spores that cause the disease can travel from forest to forest on twigs, leaf litter and mud.

It is anticipated that the felling operations will be carried out over several months and Phase 1 will be completed by the April 2020. However, if the infection continues to spread it is likely that the felling area may be increased.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters 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 role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot