Visitors to Dumfries and Galloway’s forests could be in danger if they ignore warning signs.
Forestry and Land Scotland fears people could be crushed by trees, hurt by machinery or put themselves at risk of being “shot” by broken chain links from chainsaws or harvesters if they don’t pay attention to notices.
The warning has been issued after a huge increase in reports of people going onto live harvesting sites.
Forestry and Land Scotland’s Stuart Chalmers said: “We want everyone to have a great visit to the forest but more importantly we want people to get home safely.
“Many of the big safety risks are not obvious and those visitors who ignore our safety signage are taking a serious risk that could result in life changing injuries or worse. Harvesting machines work incredibly fast and they are very noisy.
“Operators will not hear – and might not see anyone approaching. Fatalities and serious accidents have occurred in the past because members of the public have accessed a works area when they should not.
“We do not want there to be any more such incidents so, for their own safety, we strongly urge all visitors to observe and heed safety signage and follow diversions if one is provided. If a site is closed, then no reasonable alternative route is available and visitors should choose another trail or forest.
“Visitors can check our website destination pages before they leave home to get the latest updates on works affecting our forests.”
Although the act gives visitors have a right of responsible access, it also requires land managers to provide the least restrictive access. Working in tandem these requirements help to set the conditions for safe access. However, If visitors ignore safety signage they are being irresponsible for their own safety and of people who work in the forest.
