Areas of Dalbeattie Forest are set to be closed off while diseased larch trees are removed.

Forestry and Land Scotland is about to start the second phase of work to clear trees killed by phytophthora ramorum, meaning closures and diversions will be in place around the Slab and Moyle Hill from next week.

Larch trees unaffected by the disease were removed during an earlier phase of work, with the latest programme also seeing the FLS team clearing any windblow.

Members of the public should follow warning signs and instructions from banksmen.

FLS area visitor services manager, Katharina Koehler, said: “We’ve done well so far and are on track with this programme, partly because the weather has been kind to us.

“But I’d also like to thank all the visitors who have been keeping safe by observing all safety messaging.

“With people acting responsibly there are no incursions into the work zone so there are no stoppages and delays to our work.

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“That’s been especially noticeable because we know how popular this forest is with locals. It’s good to know that they have been sticking to the safe, open trails elsewhere in Dalbeattie, including our waymarked trails in the north of the forest that are not affected.

“Now that we’re shifting our work areas, the diversions and detours will change accordingly, so we would ask visitors to pay a little extra attention over the next few weeks until they get the hang of the new diversions.

“As ever, the safety of the public and of our staff is top priority so obeying all safety signage and detours, and following any instructions from our banksmen, is imperative.”

FLS is aiming to remove the diversions along Rock-Don’t-Roll and Cloak Cut by mid January.

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