Welcome to the East Bennachie and Bedehouse forestry operations update page. This page is dedicated to providing the local community with the latest information and updates on our ongoing forestry works. We are committed to transparency and ensuring that the community is well-informed about our activities on site.
Starting in the 16th of September, forestry operations using heavy machinery will commence in East Bennachie and Bedehouse Woods on the Pittodrie side of the hill.
The duration of these operations cannot be precisely determined but is estimated to be around 25 weeks. During this period, the work will be carried out within the woods at the Eastern side of Bennachie forests and the main paths will be closed to public access.
We recommend planning ahead and using the footpaths and car parks at the Bennachie Visitor Centre, Donview, and Back o’Bennachie during this time, as access to the hill from the Rowantree car park will be restricted.
During these operations, updates on public footpaths closure, such as the Turnpike core path and the Maiden Causeway path, will be provided regularly.
We are working to improve safety and health through the wood to make it fully enjoyable again for everyone.
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The planning stage for forestry operations has now been successfully completed, and we are proceeding with the development of harvesting works at East Bennachie and Bedehouse forests. These operations are primarily focused on clearing and tidying up windblown areas that were flattened as a result of storms in 2022 and earlier. The goal is to tidy up these affected regions, improving safety by reopening areas that have been blocked by fallen trees for several years.
Harvesting works location and main paths.pdf
Public footpaths and access to the hill from the eastern sides of Bennachie will be temporarily closed in the active work areas and will gradually reopen as the work progresses. Physical barriers and warning signs will be placed on-site to ensure public safety.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to identify alternative routes, we have been unable to find any safety diversions for the Maiden Causeway and Turnpike core paths. As a result, these main two paths from Rowan tree car park will remain closed.