Foresters highlight safety after big freeze

Forestry Commission Scotland is asking the public to be careful when visiting forests once the big freeze starts to thaw.

Soon, many visitors will start using the hundreds of waymarked trails across the country or simply getting out and about again and enjoying Scotland’s forests and woodlands.

Visitors should take care from snow falling from the tree-tops as this can often bring down branches and other debris. Trails and surfaces may have been affected by the bad weather and are likely to be slippy.

Alan Stevenson, Forestry Commission Scotland’s Head of Communities, Recreation and Tourism said:

“At this stage we want to simply advise visitors in advance that the ground will probably be slippy and in many cases could be difficult for a lot of people.

“We would ask visitors to be careful and watch out for snow falling from trees as this can also bring down sizeable branches without warning.

“We want visitors to have a great time on the trails but to do this safely. Please heed any warnings or trail closure signs and take the appropriate action.”

The Commission is also warning visitors to keep clear of ponds that are frozen as these can be very dangerous.

For the most up to date information on trail conditions or closures, contact your local Forestry Commission Scotland office on www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.

Notes to news editors

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate.  www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.  The Commission is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in the country with hundreds of walking or biking trails.

2. Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.