Forestry and Land Scotland has announced that access to Ardcastle Forest will be restricted from 3 October to allow the safe felling of trees infected with Phytophthora pluvialis.

These access restrictions will allow FLS to meet the requirements of a Statutory Plant Health Notice, issued by Scottish Forestry, that requires all infected trees – and symptomatic trees within a 100 m buffer zone - to be felled.

Felling the trees is currently the only available response and is necessary to help slow the spread of this disease.

FLS Forester, Donald MacDougall, said: "Phytophthora pluvialis affects Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir and some species of pine trees and it's important we fell any diseased trees in a  bid to help protect the wider area of forest.

-- Advertisement --

"Ardcastle is a really popular forest with visitors and we are aware that our felling operations will impact on public access but we will do all we can to minimise that disruption.

"While work is being carried out, we would encourage everyone to visit an alternative destination. However, if this is not possible, visitors should follow all safety signage and advice.

"We appreciate that this is short notice and apologise for any inconvenience this might cause.

"We would also ask anyone visiting the area to help us by following our 'Keep it Clean' guidance."

Tree diseases can be spread in mud or needles stuck to footwear and to tyres on bicycles, buggies, pets, machines and vehicles.

FLS' Keep it clean advice urges visitors to ensure that footwear, bikes, kit and dogs' paws are always clean before and after visiting any woodland.

Felling the non-native conifers on this site has been timed to be done outside the breeding season of the birds, squirrels and other species that live in the forest to minimise the disturbance effects. 

The conifer removal will also be used to kickstart the restoration of the Scottish Rainforest habitat which previously occurred here and which FLS and others are working to restore across its range.