Work starts to remove diseased trees from Beinn Ghuilean

Forestry and Land Scotland was due to start work today (Thursday) to fell diseased trees at Beinn Ghuilean.

 

This means that access restrictions are in place from the Tomaig Road and Narrowfield entrance and there will be no through route or access along this route for the duration of the operations.

 

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 but may be increased if further infection is found.

 

Tommy McGrory, FLS planning forester told the Courier: ‘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 are plenty of signs 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.'