Tree-felling in Knapdale is restoration project

With reference to Nick MacIneskar’s letter (The Oban Times, February 7) regarding the felling at Barnluasgan, Knapdale Forest, please may I reassure your readers that this work is part of the ambitious plan to restore the native oakwoods in Knapdale.

The trees above the car park were non-native beech and noble fir, which have been removed to prevent them seeding into the surrounding forest.

Similar fellings were carried out on the hillsides to the north around 20 years ago; these areas are now covered in dense regeneration of birch, ash and oak.

We hope to reopen the car park shortly to allow access to view the beavers. With time, we fully expect to see the Atlantic rainforest re-establish in this special part of Mid Argyll.

David Jardine, Regional manager, Forest Enterprise Scotland.