The Forestry Commission UK is advising members of the public not to visit Delamere Forest in Cheshire over the next few days following Thursday’s high winds.
Recreation Manager, Simon Hough, says:
“As a result of the strong winds many roads and tracks are blocked by fallen trees and there is a danger that more trees and large branches will come down over the next few days. This means there is a serious risk of injury to anyone using the Forest at the moment.
“We know that many people enjoy using the Forest but we would strongly recommend everyone to stay away over the next few days for their own safety.”
The Forestry Commission has closed its car parks in Delamere Forest and the visitor centre and other facilities have also been shut until further notice.
A lot of work will be going on over the next few days to clear trees and branches that might cause a risk to people in the Forest and the situation will be reviewed after the weekend. For further information please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland or phone 01606 889792.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Media enquiries to Simon Hough, North West England Forest District, on 01606 882167 or 07795 121856 or Sue Gardiner on 01229-862002.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Delamere is Cheshire’s largest wooded area, offering a complete day out for all the family. As well as bike hire, families can enjoy guided nature walks, horse riding and orienteering. There is also a visitor centre, picnic sites, viewpoints, café and a shop. This year, Go Ape, a high wire forest adventure course has also opened up in the Forest.
2. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The North West England Forest District covers the Lake District in Cumbria, the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The forests today are managed for conservation, wildlife, landscape and recreation as well as providing a valuable source of timber.
