Update:
Proposed timber harvesting operation on Hillfoots Hill, Dollar Forest has been delayed and we now expect harvesting to commence in mid-July. Timber haulage is likely to start within a week or so of harvesting. The time scales will be similar to those detailed below with works now expected to last until early into 2022.
Unfortunately, harvesting is likely to affect the path network within the forest, some of which will be subject to temporary closure and diversion in the interest of public safety. Timber haulage will also affect the use of the main forest road network within the forest, with timber lorries regularly traveling on the forest road.
The estimated volume of timber to be harvested will be around 11,000 tons with harvesting expected to last approximately 20 & 24 weeks depending on the weather. Timber haulage is expected to take a similar amount of time to harvesting and may continue for a short while after harvesting has been completed. As per previous timber haulage operations, timber will be transported east via the Hillfoots Road to access the A91 and this will unfortunately result in some temporary disruption to other users of the road. Haulage will however be planned to minimise disruption to other road users where possible and will avoid peak usage times such as school opening and closing times and the Japanese Gardens. It is likely that very few or no lorries will be operating during weekends. All timber lorries will display flashing beacons when traveling on the Hillfoots Road and within in the forest and will avoid traveling in convoy.
Signage will be displayed at either end of the Hillfoots Road, to warn other road users that timber lorries are using the road and to advise that passing places should be used to give way to the lorries. A notice will be displayed at the forest entrance and on the Hillfoots Road in advance of timber harvesting and haulage to warn other road users of potential disruption and to provide details of the operations.
