BCWG have been in discussion with Forestry and Land Scotland regarding their plans for forestry operations in Balloch Wood.

In brief we understand that:

Glenquicken end: The area felled last year at the very top of the wood.
Brash will soon be swept up and made into piles. Planting, with mixed broadleaf, will take place from around June time. We are looking into some community areas for “citizen science” that we hope FLS will approve. We are working with Crichton Carbon Centre to consider peatland restoration of a small area that is very boggy and peaty. We hope to complete a survey of this area in a few weeks’ time and discuss outcomes with FLS before planting.

Ponds area: The wind thrown trees will be removed and that area cleaned up. The trees along the road a little downhill from the Ponds, toward the logging platform, will be removed first - they are unstable and falling over. Any hardwoods and native trees will be kept as far is possible.

Compartment 86002: The bottom half of the wood, by the village, will be felled late summer or autumn, starting from the north east edge next to Compartments 86005 and 86008; which was felled last year.
After felling, the site will be cleaned up, the paths, bridges and other things will be repaired. We do not know yet when this area will be replanted.

FLS will address any questions at a community meeting we hope to organise soon.

Updated Schedule for Forestry Operations in Balloch Wood - April 2026

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.