Two trails in a popular Dumfries and Galloway forest are to be closed for several months to allow tree felling to take place.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is set to begin clearing diseased and dead larch trees in Mabie Forest in a bid to slow the spread of phytophthora ramorum – a disease deadly to larch trees.
The work is set to last for four months and both the Orchard and Chinney Field trails will be closed during that time. Diversions for all other trails will start near the car park.
FLS area visitor service manager, Katharina Koehler, said: “This disease has had a dramatic impact on forests and really changed the way they look. Larch trees are steadily becoming less visible in the landscape and if we are to retain any then it’s imperative that we do what we can to slow the spread of the disease.
“Unfortunately, at the moment the only way we can do that is to fell and remove affected, dying and dead larch trees.
“All felling operations are inherently dangerous and, as ever, the safety of the public and of our staff is top priority so observing all safety signage and detours, and following any instructions from our banksmen, is imperative.
“Visitors should also be mindful of the fact that there will also be more timber lorries travelling along the forest road through the main forest.