Phytophthora ramorum
Phytophthora ramorum is a tree disease affecting Larch that has been prevalent in South West Scotland for many years with sporadic outbreaks elsewhere in Scotland. It can’t be eradicated. The only way to slow the rate of spread is to fell the infected trees and those surrounding them.
Felling operations and site closures are ongoing throughout 2020-2021 in order to remove affected trees and reduce the risk of spread to other woodlands in Cowal and Argyll. Felling operations mean certain areas and paths throughout Corlarach Forest, Benmore Forest, Puck's Glen and Kilmun Arboretum will be closed to the public for safety reasons. Areas that are closed change frequently throughout the works and we often need to close multiple areas at the same time. If you are planning to visit, we recommend checking the relevant forest webpage first to ensure it is open.
Felled areas will be replanted. Although, depending on the species chosen, there is a recommended fallow period of three years. Our response to Phytophthora ramorum will not result in long term deforestation.

How we find out what trees are affected
Scottish Forestry, the regulator for forestry in Scotland, conducts bi-annual helicopter surveillance and associated ground surveys of Larch to monitor the spread of Phytophthora ramorum. Since the last community events, we have 80 suspected sites in Cowal which we are surveying. This map shows the suspected spread:
Map - Phytophthora ramorum sites in Cowal (PDF 2.8MB)
Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHNs) are issued requiring the felling of infected Larch stands and susceptible hosts within a 250 metre buffer zone, usually within a 2–4 month period. Felling of Larch and other trees affected by the Statutory Plant Health Notice has been approved by Scottish Forestry. If you have any questions about this approval, they should be addressed to – Scottish Forestry, Perth & Argyll Conservancy, Upper Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EN or sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
After being issued an SPHN, we then start work on the removal of infected Larch trees. We also aim to fell additional Larch areas over the next four years to reduce the potential for infection in this area and therefore reduce the spread across Scotland. To achieve this increased felling, new forest roads will have to be built, existing forest roads upgraded and harvesting facilities constructed. We appreciate this will have a big impact on the landscape and our visitor trails and facilities. However, we are already working on replanting plans which will reduce the visual impact as much as possible. Visitor trails will only be closed when there is no other option and will be reopened as soon as is practically possible.
Confirmed Statutory Plant Health Notices in Cowal and their current status
This map shows confirmed Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHN) on Forestry and Land Scotland managed sites with Phytophthora ramorum:
Destination | Felling status | Visitor trails |
---|---|---|
Corlarach | Felling ongoing | Berryburn - open Balgaidh Burn - open Corlarach Loop - open with diversions |
Berry Burn (Corlarach) | Felling ongoing | Berryburn - open Balgaidh Burn - open Corlarach Loop - open with diversions |
Bishops Glen Reservoir (Corlarach) | Felling Ongoing | Berryburn - open Balgaidh Burn - open Corlarach Loop - open with diversions |
Garrowchorran Hill (Corlarach) | Felling Ongoing | Corlarach Loop - open with diversions |
Achafour (Corlarach) | Felling Ongoing | Corlarach Loop - open with diversions |
Puck’s Glen | Felling ongoing | Big Tree Trail – open with diversions Black Gates Trail - closed Puck's Glen Gorge Trail - closed |
Puck’s Glen 3 | Date TBC | Big Tree Trail – open with diversions Black Gates Trail - closed Puck's Glen Gorge Trail - closed |
Kilmun Hill | Felling Ongoing | John Jackson Trail - open Eucalyptus Trail - open Conifer Trail - open |
Kilmun Arboretum & Quintet |
Felling Ongoing | John Jackson Trail - open Eucalyptus Trail - open Conifer Trail - open |
Strathlachlan | Complete | No trails |
Gairletter | Felling ongoing | No trails |
Whistlefield | Complete | Loch Eck Loop - open |
Glenfinart | TBC | No trails |
Inverchapel | TBC | Loch Eck Loop - open Black Gates Trail - closed Big Tree Trail - open with diversions |
Cruach Benmore | TBC | Loch Eck Loop - open |
Coillessan Houses (Ardgartan) | Complete | Coilessan Shore Cycle Route - open with banksmen in place Ardgartan Peninsula Circuit - open with banksmen in place |
Carrow Downfall (Lochgoilhead) | Felling Ongoing | No trail |
Lettermay Junction (Lochgoilhead) | Complete | Only Loch Lomond & Cowal Way long distance trail - open |
Campsie Glen | Felling ongoing |
Biosecurity
Phytophthora ramorum can be spread in mud or needles stuck to footwear and tyres on bicycles, buggies, machines and vehicles. Please follow our Keep it clean advice to ensure footwear, bikes, kit and dogs’ paws are always clean before and after visiting any woodland.
Why this work is necessary (PDF 3.9MB)
Larch disease in Argyll Forest Park (PDF 416KB)
Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland (Scottish Forestry website)
Get in touch
If you have any questions regarding ongoing works and access restrictions, please contact: