Storm-damaged forest to stay closed until July

Ashlea Tracey
BBC News, Isle of Man
Gary Newton/Defa An aerial view of a large patch of plantation that has had its trees chopped in to chunks. Some other tall trees stand nearby. A truck, which is filled with the chopped timber, drives on a track through the area.Gary Newton/Defa
Archallagan Plantation was closed following Storm Darragh in December

A forest damaged during two large storms which hit the Isle of Man will remain closed to the public for a further three months as restoration works continue.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said timber harvesting operations to make safe storm-damaged areas within Archallagan Plantation were "progressing well".

But it confirmed the project, which would "allow for the safe extraction and transportation of timber", was expected to continue in July.

A spokesman said the closure was "necessary to ensure public safety while heavy machinery and timber haulage operations are underway".

"We strongly urge all members of the public not to enter the plantation while operations are ongoing," he said.

Chopped tree trunks, which are brown in colour, have been stacked up on some concrete near a large lorry.
The timber from the plantation is being removed and shipped away

In January Storm Éowyn saw storm force winds hit the island causing widespread damage to trees.

That followed on from December's Storm Darragh, which left thousands of trees in unstable positions.

The department has also confirmed it was planning a scheme to replant and "restock the site" with a mix of native broadleaf and conifer species in 2026.

It is also set to create new walking, horse riding and cycling routes in due course, it added.

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