A 'significant' amount of larch trees are to be felled over a large area of Cambusbarron’s Gillies Hill following the discovery of diseased trees there.
The work covering 21 hectares in the north west of the woodland, is set to begin this Monday, January 10, and continue until the end of February.
In November Scottish Forestry issued a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) to Cambusbarron Community Development Trust after a routine inspection discovered the tree disease, phytophthora ramorum or P.ramorum in two locations within the woodland.
Cambusbarron Community Development Trust (CCDT) trustee Jim O’Connor said this week: “This notice will require the felling and removal of all larch trees from a large area around the affected trees over an area of some 21.37 hectares in the north west area of the woodland.
“While a significant number of larch trees will be felled in this area, there will remain a considerable number of magnificent other trees including beech, Douglas firs, Scots pine and spruce trees.
“Every effort will be made to ensure these trees are protected during the larch felling and removal operation.
“Through forestry advice CCDT had planned to thin out the larch trees to reduce the risk of such infection.
“Larch trees are distinctive in that they are coniferous and have needles, but unlike most conifers they shed their needles in the autumn.
“This disease, P.Ramorum has been infecting larch trees in Scotland since 2010 and is spreading.
“The SPHN, as has been issued to CCDT, is the most common way to try and control the spread of this awful tree disease.”
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The felling work by contractors RTS Forestry will be carried out in phases over six to eight weeks.
Mr O’Connor added: “The aim is to avoid large areas of the woodland being closed off at any one time.
“The areas that are being felled will be closed off to public access by RTS.
“Paths will be closed using signs, barrier tape and where appropriate physical barriers.
“Trees close to any active paths will be felled under banksmen supervision.
“CCDT are requesting that members of the public that wish to use the woodland while the work is being carried out adhere to notices and access restrictions for their own safety.”
It is expected that the felling operation will be finished by February 28.
The felled trunks are to be hauled from the affected area to a stacking area located near the Polmaise Castle walled garden.
This operation will take until at least the end of March.
In the longer term CCDT will replant the affected area with new trees that are not as susceptible to tree diseases.
The planting scheme will be developed once clearing is finished with the first phase anticipated towards the end of 2022.
CCDT was formed in June 2010 and became a Scottish charitable organisation in 2017.
It purchased some 64 hectares of woodland on Gillies Hill on behalf of the local community in 2019 with the aid of donations and grants.
The woodland is popular with walkers and cyclists as a recreational resource.
