BCWG have been in discussion with FLS regarding the felling plans for Balloch Wood, and have now received their plans for the forthcoming felling, and associated wildlife surveys.
The felling will start in June with the strip alongside the road between their storage area and the pond ( 86006 - shown as yellow on the map). Felling will then then proceed to the main area ( 86002 - shown as green). There will be an open meeting with FLS prior to the felling.
The dates for replanting the felled areas are yet to be confirmed.

Update regarding the forthcoming felling in Balloch Wood.

This is an environmentally sensitive site with ecological and hydrological features requiring careful assessment and sensitive working to minimise environmental impacts during timber harvesting activities.

Working the site during the months of June to August, under the appropriate licensing regimes, will minimise impacts on red squirrels, badgers, young birds, watercourses and woodland soils. Before the works occur, we will carry out an environmental assessment and site visit by our ecology specialist to identify features of conservation concern and ensure appropriate mitigation is in place to protect the nations wildlife as required by law.

The protection of badgers Act 1992 only permits work under a standard operations license between 1st July and 30th November so the timing of any forest operations has to coincide with this.

Operationally working the site through the dryer months (June – August) will minimise the risk of water issues on site and also help prevent against ground/soil damage.

It has also been decided after discussions with our Environment team and undertaking a new Environmental Risk Assessment, June was the preferred time to start the felling. So the new felling date is June. As there is no badger setts within the windblow area next to the road this is the area that we will start with before moving to the last remaining coupe where there is known badger setts. As stated above a comprehensive environmental survey will be taken before any work starts.

Update from Forestry and Land Scotland - 16 Feb 2026.

Click to enlarge.