Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has urged members of the public attempting to cut up windblown trees in south Scotland to stay at home and leave the job to qualified professionals.
FLS warns that not only is such activity illegal and contrary to forestry regulations, it is also highly dangerous and at serious odds with health and safety.
The warning follows unauthorised attempts by individuals to clear mountain biking trails by cutting storm damaged trees regardless of the risks to themselves, FLS staff and to the public.
Martin Page, FLS’ Regional Visitor Services Manager, said;
“Chainsaw work, even with highly skilled and experienced people it still one of the highest risk occupations in the UK, and clearing windblown trees is the most dangerous aspect of that work. For that reason, we aim to do as much windblow work as possible using mechanised harvesting machines, rather than chainsaws, to reduce risk to life.
“We appreciate that people are frustrated that many trails and forests remain closed but people taking it upon themselves to go to the forest with a chainsaw are not helping. Not only are they acting illegally because they do not have authorisation but they are also putting themselves and others at risk.
“Any unauthorised person found to be using hand tools, or power tools such as petrol or battery driven chainsaws, will be reported to Police Scotland.
“Should anyone encounter trails blocked by windblow, they should report it to us at [email protected], and retrace their steps until they find a safe route around.”
Dealing with windblow is time-consuming and dangerous. Felled trees, hanging trees and even trees that are still standing can all be unstable after a major storm. Trees can roll, pivot, slide or fall at the slightest disturbance. Unstable trees, parts of trees, root plates and stones can suddenly topple, tip over, fall or roll away without any visible reason even days, weeks or months after a storm.
There can 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 any clearance work can begin.
Staff and contractors working to clear storm damage run the risk of being crushed by a toppling, turning or rolling root plate, being struck by a stem kicking sideways, being caught by a splitting stem or getting trapped and crushed between stems.
Martin added;
“Anyone engaged in this activity is risking their own health and safety as well as that of our staff, who have to make safe the amateur efforts, and of those forest visitors who, arriving later, might think that the trail has been professionally cleared and is safe.
“Because we are having to remedy these amateur efforts, we’re having to divert resources from the professional clearance of areas that are still impacted by storm damage.
“We are liaising with Police Scotland to help us address this issue and would urge that everyone lets the professionals do this complex and dangerous work SAFELY for everyone’s benefit.”
Additional quotes:
Erik, Chair of the Tweed Valley Trail Association, said;
“Following recent storm damage, several instances of unauthorised clearing using chainsaws have been reported.
“TVTA would like to use this opportunity to raise awareness within the MtB community – that such activities require approval from the landowners (FLS).
“Whilst we appreciate the eagerness in reopening trails, we must remind everyone that trail sustainability can only be achieved through following the correct processes. These types of activities (clearing windblown timber) must be completed under a robust risk assessment with the suitable risk controls, personal protective equipment and landowner approvals being in place.
“We would encourage all users of the Tweed Valley trails network to report any unsafe findings – fallen trees, trail damage etc. through the Trailforks or directly to FLS themselves at Forestry [email protected]. From these reports, TVTA in conjunction with FLS can commence, safely reopening trails.”
