INFECTED trees in Traquair Forest are to be felled next week, with more to follow in the coming weeks.

We revealed last week that several trees in the forest were infected with P Ramorum, otherwise known as Larch Disease.

According to Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES), P Ramorum is a disease which is found on shrubs and trees – it is mainly affecting larch trees on the national forest estate and private woodlands. Ultimately, any trees which are infected are highly likely to die over ensuing months or years.

An FES spokesman said: “We plan to start some felling of infected trees in Traquair this coming Monday (August 27). This will be a relatively quick job and is expected to last around four days in total.

“During this time, the 7stanes Red cross country mountain bike route will have diversions in place and we would ask all bikers to take heed of the safety signs that will be put in place.

"The downhill trails will be unaffected and the uplift service to the top of the trails will continue as normal.

“We expect that a further and larger phase of felling will take place in a few weeks’ time and we will work to inform all relevant groups of any changes to the trails.”

All visitors to the forest are being urged to follow the FES Keep it Clean campaign and clean their bikes, shoes and kit before they arrive at the forest to help slow the spread of the disease.

For more information and advice, visit: https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/keep-it-clean