Forestry and Land Scotland says car parks and trails will remain open during lockdown

Many forest walking and mountain biking trails are to remain open for local access during the new lockdown.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) said its car parks and managed public toilets would also remain open, although visitor centres were closed.

The decision aims to support members of the public in maintaining their mental and physical health and wellbeing as Scotland strengthens its effort to slow transmission of Covid-19.

Simon Hodgson, FLS chief executive, said: “As we all continue our efforts to limit the impact of the virus and to keep as many people as safe as we can, it’s now imperative that we support the Scottish Government’s stay-at-home guidance.

“However, we also recognise that it is important that we all look after our health and wellbeing. That is why we are keeping most walking and mountain bike trails, car parks and toilets open so that local people can benefit from visiting their local woods.

“The current advice is to take your exercise locally, so we would ask that people visit woodlands that are within walking, cycling or wheeling distance from their homes. We understand that there will be instances where young children, older people and less able people will not be able to manage that short walk to their local woods, so we have kept our car parks open to help give them as much opportunity as we can in the circumstances.

“We thank our visitors in advance for behaving sensibly and responsibly, and ask them to follow the latest Scottish Government and NHS advice.”

Forestry and Land Scotland said it has also reserved the right to close specific car parks if they become overcrowded, present health and safety issues or impose onerous demands on staff.

While most walking and mountain bike trails, car parks and toilets remain open, a small number are closed for routine winter maintenance.

The status of individual FLS sites can be checked here.

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