Forestry Commission Scotland is encouraging people in Dumfries and Galloway to check out the spectacular colours of autumn and consider a national tree for Scotland at the same time.
With many of the native woodlands starting to display a myriad of golden, red, yellow and orange leaves, it’s a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the woodlands and forests in your area.
Dalbeattie, Mabie, Kirroughtree and Clatteringshaw forests are all favourite woodlands to visit in autumn, however, there are many other parts of the region displaying amazing colours.
The Commission hopes that, at this time of year, more people will be appreciating woodlands and this will encourage the public to get involved in the national consultation to choose a tree symbol for Scotland.
Keith Muir, Forestry Commission Scotland’s Tourism manager in Galloway said: “Autumn is great time to head outside and take a walk or a cycle in woodlands. On a crisp autumn day you can see some very spectacular sights as the trees and shrubs light up in different colours.
“On a less welcome note, it is also an important time to remember that our woodlands are being affected by a number of quite visible tree diseases.
“In Galloway, our larch trees have been badly affected and that is a real shame as they are normally also spectacular in autumn. However, there are many other broadleaves in the region which are stunning.
“A lot of work is going on to tackle the tree health problems and the whole issue has created a heightened interest and concern about our forests.
“It is therefore a good time to keep the importance of our trees up there in the minds of the general public. We’d encourage everyone to go outdoors, see the sights of autumn and also consider which tree might be best suited as a national tree symbol for Scotland.”
To give views on a national tree of Scotland log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/scotlandsnationaltree.
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