Dalbeattie Forest warning for visitors

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is advising that tree felling will begin in Dalbeattie forest next week (Monday 12 August).

FLS will be removing pockets of larch - in a rolling programme - at different locations within the forest, in order to remove dead trees killed by the disease, Phytophthora ramorum. Some windblow will also be cleared.

There is no known cure or treatment for the disease, which affects a number of shrub and tree species but which usually kills Larch trees. The only method of dealing with outbreaks and slowing the spread of the disease to new sites is to fell affected trees as soon as possible.

All of the healthy Larch that might have spread the disease in Dalbeattie have already been removed, with only the dead trees left to be removed.

Closures and diversions will be in place and members of the public are to follow all signage and instruction from banksmen.

FLS’ Area Visitor Services Manager, Katharina Koehler, said;

”We appreciate that this area is popular with locals, and rightly so as it is a beautiful bit of woodland but with significant amounts of felling taking place, it will be unsafe for visitors in the areas where we will be working.

“There will still be plenty of options and open trails elsewhere in Dalbeattie, including our Waymarked trails in the north of the forest that will not be affected.

“But with our main priority always the safety of our staff and visitors, it is imperative that anyone visiting observes and follows all safety signage and detours, and that they follow any instructions from our banksmen.”

The work will be progressing through the forest and it is anticipated that, all going well, it will be completed by April/May 2025.

Many FLS forests in the area have been hit by Phytophthora ramorum. Outbreaks of the disease, once confirmed, are the subject of  Statutory Plant Health Notices, served by Scottish Forestry, that require that infected trees – and those in a surrounding buffer zone – are felled in order to help slow the spread of the disease to other areas.

Updated trail info will be on the FLS website.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland.
   
   
2. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot