Forestry and Land Scotland have proposed a new Land Management Plan for Beinn Ghuilean Forest.

A popular recreational resource and part of the Woods in and Around Towns (WIAT) initiative the 144 ha, (roughly half a square mile) 40 year-old forest consists mostly of Sitka Spruce and Larch, although small areas of Pine and native broadleaves are also present.

However, in recent years the tree disease Phytophthora ramorum, which principally affects larch, has had a devastating effect.

FLS Regional Visitor Services Manager, John Sutherland, said: "We know how popular the forest is with the local community so we’d really like people who visit it to come along and find out about the issues that need to be dealt with.


"The main one is dealing with the tree disease and its impact. It will mean more felling – but that also creates more opportunities for development.

"The drop-in session will be a great opportunity to hear some ideas on how the forest might be managed in years to come, to give us some feedback and let us know what you think."

Anyone interest in finding out more can come along to Campbeltown Town Hall, Tuesday 29th November, 4 – 8 pm.

FLS received its first Statutory Plant health Notice (SPHN) for larch infected with Phytophthora ramorum in 2019, and a second infection was notified in September 2021.

Felling to deal with the diseased trees is likely to see the eventual removal of all larch from Beinn Ghuilean, which will affect how the management of the forest in the years ahead.