Forest safety call in wake of Eowyn
In the wake of Storm Eowyn, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is urging visitors to exercise extreme caution if they are visiting woodlands in south and central Scotland.
The call comes as FLS staff continue to assess the levels of storm damage to the forests it manages across these areas.
FLS’ Director of Land Management and Regions, Graeme Prest, said;
“In the wake of storm Eowyn our teams are out assessing the extent of the damage caused. Our forests in west, central and particularly south Scotland have been affected, mostly with small groups of trees and individual trees having been blown over.
“The affected forests cover a wide area and it will take some time to survey the full extent of the damage and to then assess how long the clean-up will take. We will prioritise the work - initially road access to properties in the forest and then the wider forest.
“We would urge members of the public to help us ensure that they stay safe by following all site signage and, before venturing out, always checking our website for the latest advice and information about their local forests.”
Storm damage is not always easily identifiable. Fallen trees and debris blocking paths might look stable but can still be extremely hazardous if attempts are made to cross over or duck under them.
Some trees might also have been uprooted but not hit the ground if they are caught up in standing trees surrounding them.
These ‘hanging’ trees can be extremely unstable and can come down without any warning.
FLS is asking all visitors to :
• always follow signage
• stay well away from work areas
• turn back if a trail or path is blocked (if you can’t get through easily neither can emergency services)
• avoid walking around, climbing over or ducking under felled trees
Members of the public are also being cautioned against making any attempt to cut trees and debris themselves. Felling and removing wind damaged trees is one of the highest-risk forestry activities and can result in severe and potentially fatal injury.
Notes to editors
- 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 | https://x.com/ForestryLS
- Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot