Scottish forests start to reopen to the general public after Storm Arwen

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is starting to open up among the nationwide forests to guests after Storm Arwen hit on the finish of November.

Nonetheless, additionally it is advising that many forests will stay closed as extra excessive winds over the subsequent few days improve the danger of extra falling timber in susceptible, storm battered forests.

Simon Hodgson, FLS chief govt, stated:

“It’s a mammoth activity however we’re slowly attending to grips with assessing the degrees of harm and danger throughout all the forests that we glance after, together with the 544 customer websites and trails that we promote on our web site.

We do wish to open trails as quickly as we will safely achieve this and we’re starting to open up some forests however there are nonetheless many areas the place the danger to public well being and security is excessive.

“That danger is just going to extend over the subsequent few days with extra excessive winds probably dislodging hanging timber or blowing over unstable timber.

“Add within the more and more moist or icy circumstances and you’ve got a harmful and probably lethal combine, so we’d ask everybody to please observe any and all restrictions in your space.”

Most forests re-opened

Most forests within the north of Scotland have been re-opened for public entry as they’ve been left comparatively unscathed by the storm.

Some forests within the west of Scotland have been re-opened to the general public however there stay points at some areas with particular person timber, and a few timber at recreation websites.

Members of the general public are welcome to go to west Scotland forests however should observe all security, closure and diversion signage.

Forestry and Land Scotland’s net pages will likely be up to date on Mondays and Fridays with the newest entry info.

Nonetheless, forests within the Moray, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth & Kinross, Fife, the central belt and South Scotland stay closed.

Hodgson added;

“Our groups have diverted all of their effort into working tirelessly with companion businesses throughout the nation, in typically troublesome and making an attempt circumstances, prioritising tree work on areas that present a right away danger to folks or property.

“Their subsequent precedence is offering important entry for communities, neighbours and forestry enterprise.

Some areas are more likely to stay closed for some whereas and won’t re-open till the danger to public well being and security ensuing from the storm has been handled.

“I want to commend members of the general public for bearing with us and thank them for his or her help as we assist take care of the aftermath of Storm Arwen.”