People are being urged to stay away from a popular forest while storm damage is cleared up.
The woodland at Screel Hill was badly affected by storms at the end of 2021 and is currently closed to the public.
However, that hasn’t stopped outdoor lovers trying to gain access to the site – and parking their cars on the roadside and in field entrances, causing disruption to other road users, the local community and farmers.
Forestry and Land Scotland’s forest planner Robin Fuller said: “Screel Hill was one of the forests most badly affected by Storm Arwen, with large areas of the forest blowing down.
“The car park is closed because there are dangerous windblown trees in the area and access to the Screel Hill path, a core path managed by Dumfries and Galloway Council, is also blocked by fallen trees.
“Storm damage is extremely hazardous. It might look solid but downed or partially fallen trees can twist, roll, pivot or fall at the slightest touch and can cause serious injury.
“It is imperative that people listen to our advice, stay away from closed forest and check forest updates on our web pages for alternative destinations such as Dalbeattie Forest or Doach Wood.”
FLS is hoping to begin clearing up fallen trees around the car park and the forest road in the summer to allow safe access for visitors as quickly as possible.
A spokesman for the council’s countryside access team said: “We appreciate that with the path
being so popular, visitors might feel frustrated.
“However, we would advise that they follow the guidance from FLS and avoid the Screel Hill path until it is safe to
use.
“We will continue to work with FLS to ensure that access is restored as soon – and as safely – as possible.”
