Tree felling work to begin at Glentress

17 October 2014  |  

Forestry Commission Scotland will be starting an eight month tree felling programme at Glentress Forest and is urging visitors to follow the diversion signs on biking and walking trails.

Glentress Trail Centre

The work will be starting on the 20th October and continuing until May 2015.

Throughout the works, the Commission will be working hard to minimise disruption to biking and walking trails but temporary trail closures will need to be put in place around felling locations.

Katie Jarvis, Recreation Manager for Glentress Forest, said;

"This is a very large programme of tree thinning which is aimed largely at improving the forest structure and its biodiversity. We plan to improve an area of forest equivalent to 100 football pitches.

"For public safety we'll need to temporarily close off sections of our trails whilst we do this work. We'll keep everyone updated on these diversions on our website and in the main car parks to the forest.

"We'd like to thank everyone in advance for their patience whilst the work is being carried out. "

Glentress Trail Centre

The thinning out of the forest is necessary to increase the amount of light and space under the tree canopy. In turn, this encourages the trees to grow and allows new seedlings and plant life to thrive. Once the work is complete it will create a more open and welcoming setting for forest visitors and promote more wildlife in the forest.

The Buzzards Nest Car Park and the road leading up it will be closed from the middle of November to the start of the Christmas holidays. During this time there'll be no access for vehicles past the Falla Brae Car Park, which will remain open.

During the felling, every effort will be taken to protect the trails from damage and once the work is fully completed all repairs will be made so that the trails are back to normal.

To keep up to date with temporary trail closures and diversions check www.scotland.forestry.gov.uk

Comment on this article

Want to add your comments about this review? Login or Sign-up by clicking the button below..

Login/Sign Up