Work to remove diseased trees at Beinn Ghuilean is to resume next week as forestry bosses say that previous efforts to save the woodland have been unsuccessful.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) confirmed that felling will recommence in the week beginning February 2, targeting larch trees infected with Phytophthora ramorum – a fast-moving, terminal tree disease.
The project, which is expected to last until spring 2027, has been accelerated by recent extreme weather. A string of storms over the last 18 months has left many of the weakened trees windblown, creating significant hazards for walkers and cyclists.
Several mountain bike and walking trails have already been closed due to overhanging trees and impassable debris. FLS officials say the felling is now the only way to make the site safe for the public again.
ave Curtis, of the FLS West Region team, said: “We initially took steps to tackle this issue back in 2020 when we felled a number of diseased larch. We hoped at the time that we had done enough to conserve the remaining larch but unfortunately that has proved not to be the case.”
He added: “We appreciate that this will have a marked effect on the landscape but with no treatment or remedy available, felling is the only action that we have open to us.”
FLS has outlined a five-year plan for the area’s recovery, involving ongoing timber production, the removal of all existing conifers and the planting of broadleaved species and Scots pine on lower slopes.
Members of the public are being urged to strictly observe all safety signage and stay out of active work zones for their own safety.
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