Work starts to remove diseased trees from Beinn Ghuilean

Monday, 13 January 2020

Forestry and Land Scotland yesterday (Thursday 16 Jan) started work to fell diseased trees at Beinn Ghuilean, by Campbeltown.

The larch trees - infected by Phytophthora ramorum, for which there is no remedy – are being felled in a bid to slow the spread of the disease to other woodlands in the area.

It is anticipated that the felling operations will be completed by April 2020 but may be increased if further infection is found. 

Tommy McGrory, FLS Planning Forester, said;

“Now that we’ve started the work we’d like to remind everyone that for public safety, we have restricted access to some sections of local trails and to sections of the forest road.

“There is plenty of signage in place across the site and it’s really important that visitors heed those warnings, keep out of the work zone and keep themselves safe by using other parts of the forest.

“Because the spores that cause the disease can travel from forest to forest on twigs, leaf litter and mud, we’d also encourage visitors to help prevent their spread by brushing off forest debris and mud from their boots, walking gear, bike wheels and dogs’ paws before and after visiting the forest.”

Access restrictions are in place 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.

Notes to editors

  1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) was established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, following completion of the devolution of forestry as a result of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018. It replaces Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  2. The purpose of FLS is to manage forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. FLS may manage other forested and non-forested land by arrangement, as set out in the Act.
  3. The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
  4. forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
  5. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot