People urged to obey signage during woodland works

People have been warned to obey warning signs in South Barrule Plantation as maintenance works take place over the weekend.

Scores of trees came down on the woodland site in the Isle of Man when the island was hit by two large storms in December and January.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said the works on Saturday and Sunday would would support preparations for timber harvesting.

A Defa spokesman said people accessing the plantation should avoid machinery and active work zones "for your safety and the safety of our staff".

He said sections of the plantation may be temporarily restricted during the period so those walking in the area should follow instructions given by the forestry team and the contractors on site.

In January Storm Éowyn saw storm force winds hit the island causing widespread damage to trees.

That followed on from December's Storm Darragh, which had left thousands of trees in unstable positions.

In the aftermath of the storms, Defa confirmed thousands of trees, including many brought down by the gales, would be removed as part of a government initiative to remove the wood from plantations and ship it away.

In April, the department confirmed Archallagan Plantation would remain shut until July while harvesting took place at that storm-damaged site.

Defa previously said that closure had been "necessary to ensure public safety while heavy machinery and timber haulage operations are underway".

It said a mix of native broadleaf and conifer species would be planted in both plantations in future to "enhance biodiversity and deliver long-term environmental benefits".

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