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People urged to avoid woodlands after storm damage

DEFA A large uprooted tree lying on it's side across other trees in a moss covered area.DEFA
People have been asked to avoid the plantations while the fallen trees are assessed

People have been urged to stay out of woodland areas while the safety of fallen trees brought down during Storm Darragh is assessed.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) said the severe gales had caused "extensive damage" to the Isle of Man's glens and plantations.

The island was hit by heavy rain on Friday, followed by gusts reaching 82mph (132km/h) on Saturday, leaving thousands of trees in unstable positions.

Due to the "severity and scale" of the damage a full assessment would take "several days to complete", the DEFA said.

DEFA An uprooted tree lying across a set of step leading through a plantation.DEFA
Trees have blocked access through many of the island's glens
DEFA Fallen trees cover a path in a plantation.DEFA
Many paths have been blocked by trees brought down by gales during Storm Darragh

The department said fallen trees, unstable ground and blocked paths presented "significant hazards" in areas that "may appear unaffected".

Inspections that have so far taken place have resulted in the closure of glens in Lower Dhoon, Colby, Lower Silverdale, Bishopscourt, and Molly Quirk's in Onchan.

While restricted access was available at Ballaglass and Upper Silverdale, visitors have been advised to "proceed with caution", with a further update on the situation due on Wednesday, the department said.

DEFA A tall tree leans over a path in a plantation, on the right there are a bunch of tall trees.DEFA
Thousands of trees fell during Storm Darragh, the government has confirmed
DEFA A number of fallen trees block the pathway in a plantation.DEFA
A full assessment is expected to take several days to complete

DEFA has also urged tree and landowners to "check the state of their trees for signs of damage, cracks, snap-outs and movement at the root-base".

If the tree is believed to be dangerous, individuals should contact the department's forestry team to find out if any remedial work on the tree requires a licence.

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