In the wake of Storm Eowyn, we’re urging visitors to exercise extreme caution if they’re visiting woodlands in west, south, and central Scotland.

The call comes as our staff continue to assess the levels of storm damage to the forests it manages across these areas.

“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," said Director of Land Management and Regions, Graeme Prest.

The affected forests cover a wide area, and it will take some time to survey the full extent of the damage and look at how long the clean-up will take. We are prioritising the work, starting with 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,” adds Graeme.

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. 

We’re 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.