Forestry and Land Scotland has again asked visitors to check storm damage updates on its website before visiting it’s forests in south Scotland.
The reminder comes after members of the public have been attempting to access Kirroughtree and other damaged locations.
Martin Page, South Region Visitor Services Manager, said;
“We’ve had to prioritise our storm damage clearance and are continuing the mammoth task of clearing the windblown trees affecting access to the forest roads and recreational trails in Kirroughtree.“The damage caused as a result of Storm Eoywn is considerable, and it will take the team several weeks to make key access routes into the forest safe and passable.
“Many of the trails will need to remain closed to the public while this work is being carried out.“We appreciate that this will cause some inconvenience but public safety – as well as the safety of our staff – is paramount.
“We would urge members of the public to have some patience, give our teams the time and space they need to complete the work and to check our web site for updates and alternative unaffected trails in the area.”
FLS is asking all visitors to :
• always obey signage
• stay well away from work areas
• if a path or trail is blocked, turn back (if you can’t get through easily neither can emergency services)
• do not walk around, climb over or duck under felled trees
Storm damage is not always easily identifiable. Trees felled in storms, hanging trees and even trees that are still standing can all be unstable and can roll, pivot, slide or fall at the slightest disturbance.
Root plates and stones can also suddenly topple, tip over, fall or roll away without any visible reason even days, weeks or months after a storm.
There can also be huge tension and forces both in individual trees as well as in jammed stems and root plates that need to be assessed by trained professionals before the long slow process of clearance work can begin.
For updates about the path reopening please use this link – Destinations Search | Forestry and Land Scotland
