The path round Loch an Eilein, on the Rothiemurchus Estate, near Aviemore, will be partially inaccessible to visitors during half term due to essential thinning work being carried out in the forest from 9th February to 23rd February 2011.
The effect of this will be that the only access to Loch an Eilein will be through the car park or from Inshriach. The Estate is asking mountain bikers to be very careful when arriving at the car park and advising that there may be more people walking on the paths than usual.
Rothiemurchus Rangers expressed their regret at the timing of the work, which will be taking place much later than planned, due to the long period of deep snow last year and early heavy falls this winter, 130 days of snow in 2010, together with contractors’ availability with such a short window of opportunity.
Piers Voysey, Forester at Rothiemurchus said: “Tree thinning is important to let light into the forest floor to enhance the rich woodland biodiversity of this unique native forest and is an essential part of the work done at Rothiemurchus. Since 1945 more than 17% of Rothiemurchus forest has regenerated naturally and our Forest Management Plan agreed with the Forestry Commission enables us to ensure that this is continued as well as managing the effects of extensive felling for both world wars and fires to ensure the best forest habitats for the future.
“This particular piece of work had been scheduled to take place in November 2009 when it has least amount of impact on visitors to the estate. However, adverse weather last winter and again in November and December this year meant that the contractors had to finish their delayed jobs before they can come to us. These contractors are specialists in their field of work, couple this with the fact that the work needs to be done before the end of February – to ensure red squirrels and other wild life are least affected – means we have no choice. It is a good example of the fine balancing act we have to consider every day on the estate.”
Lucy Ford, Senior Ranger at Rothiemurchus, said: “We know that Loch an Eilein is a popular attraction with many tourists and locals alike so it is with real regret that this work has to begin and continue throughout the half term period. The safety of our visitors as well as ensuring they have a wonderful experience is of paramount importance. There will be large lorries with timber operating at irregular intervals and stretches of the path where they are working will be very muddy so while this essential work is taking place to ensure that visitors are safe whilst still being able to enjoy this wonderful loch, we are closing the path round the east side of the loch. People will still be able to access paths at Loch an Eilein and the maps will be available at the Rothiemurchus Centre and at the Car Park to will show them alternative routes to take.”