Forestry and Land Scotland has announced a programme of major forestry works along the north coastal section of Tentsmuir Forest to clear damage caused by Storm Arwen last winter.

The work planned for December should not impact access but from January 2023 the felling operations, which will include the removal of the remaining standing trees in this section of forest, will see diversions in place with many of the coastal tracks and trails closed off for safety reasons.

The closures will include the Sustrans NCN Route 1 cycle route and the Fife Coastal Path. There will also be some restrictions for visitors moving along the forest edge paths and beach along the north coast.

The forest operations are likely to continue for three to four months.


FLS' Area Visitor Services manager, Robin Lofthouse, said: "As with any significant forestry operations there will be some heavy duty machinery on site and it's unsafe to have visitors walking in the area or dogs running about off leash.

"The machine operators might not be able to see or hear anyone so it's imperative that visitors take heed of any closure signage and fencing and observe and respect the exclusion zone.

"The work we are doing in December to clear storm damage will be well away from public routes so there will be very limited path closures but in the New Year we will close the whole northern strip to keep the public safe.

"As well as closing the main routes, much of the northern woodland strip and the land adjacent and the dunes will also be off limits when we are working at the forest edges. Dog walkers and visitors coming from Tayport will still be able to use the road along the western boundary to get into the forest but should follow the diversion signs to get to those parts of the forest that will still be safe to visit."

FLS is currently consulting local communities on its proposals for how best to manage Tentsmuir Forest in the years to come.

As well as continuing to be a valuable local recreational resource the forest needs to be made more resilient to the impacts of the Climate emergency.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more and offering feedback or views on the proposals can take part online.