THOUSANDS of trees have been lost in forests in the north of Scotland after recent winter storms. 

Forestry bosses are continuing to assess the damage, but say woodlands in Strathspey and around Fort Augustus have been particularly badly hit. 

With the clear-up operation expected to last "months", several car parks and trails have had to be closed for the foreseeable future, including at Feshiebridge, Uath Lochans, River Oich and Torr Dhuin.  

Paul Hibberd, FLS’s regional visitor services manager, said: “The recent winter storms have hit some of our forests in the north very hard. Woodlands in Strathspey and around Fort Augustus have lost thousands of trees.

“We have already started the clear-up operation but there is a large amount of work to do. As well as the fallen trees themselves, it is likely that some paths and bridges have been damaged by the storm.

“There is also the risk posed by hanging trees – those that have been blown over but have been caught on standing trees. These can be highly unstable and can fall with little or no warning. 

“We are asking members of the public to help us by staying away from the affected woodlands for the moment. 

“We don’t want anyone risking their personal safety by venturing into our forests until we can make them safe.

Forestry Journal:

“We are continuing to assess the damage with a helicopter survey this week." 

FLS is asking visitors to: 

  • always obey signage
  • stay well away from any work taking place
  • if a path or trail is blocked, please turn back 
  • do not walk around, climb over or duck under fallen trees

Visitors are advised to check FLS’s website for up-to-date information.