Road Improvements

Just a quick note to advise that as of Tuesday 22nd February, for two weeks, please be aware of construction traffic in the area as we upgrade the forest road above the Kilbride car park. The trails will remain open but please obey any on site signage.

See you, and probably some big trucks, around the forest!

Spread the Word

2011

A happy new year to you all!

January is now well under way and with the weather relaxing its icy grip (a bit), why not get out into the forest this weekend and remind yourself that trees are not usually white!

The pre christmas weather has delayed things a bit for us; planting which was delayed will begin as soon as the ground is thawed, now we can see the trails our inspections and maintenance can resume, harvesting of some sites which have been waiting to be felled can get underway, and with 2011 being the International Year of Forests and the 75th anniversary of Argyll Forest Park we will be organising a series of events throughout the forests - watch this & other spaces....

So, get out there, breathe in the bracing - but good for you, 2011 air, and I hope to see you around the forest.

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to wish all who visit the forest a Merry Christmas.

Please be aware that the car parks and trails may well be covered in snow and ice and may be difficult to access. I would urge anyone using them over the holiday period to take extra care although I hope you all get the opportunity to get out and enjoy the forest and continue to do so throughout 2011.

2011 is the International Year of Forests and the 75th Anniversary of the Argyll Forest Park, so watch out for details of lots of local events for the family to enjoy.

Best wishes for the festive season, and hope to see you around the forest lots next year.

Snowvember!

As the park takes on its winter coat a bit early this year, we would advise anyone enjoying the forest to take extra care if using our trails and car parks, particularly now the snow has frozen, melted a bit and frozen again.

The snow does of course provide the opportunity to see tracks left by animals which would otherwise go unnoticed, as well as giving the whole forest a magical winter wonderland feel.


Hope to see you (well wrapped up) around the forest! Or alternatively at Dunoon Stadium Car Park 11th &12th, 10-4, where we will be selling Real Christmas Trees along with CLANN and other local interest groups. Free tea/coffee & mince pies!

Cowalfest 2010

It's October in Dunoon, which means it's Cowalfest time again!!

Cowalfest Walking and Arts festival is one of the largest and most varied festivals in Scotland with more than 80 led walks, horserides, cycles and events covering such areas of interest as wildlife,drama, music, photography, Tai Chi, history and heritage. What better way to explore the stunning scenery of Cowal than in the company of enthusiastic, knowledgeable and like minded people.

This year FCS are leading two walks in Dunoon's Forests. On Monday 11th October we will be walking the Kilbride Trails, meeting at the Glenmorag Carpark in West Bay Dunoon at 1000 and on Wednesday 13th The Ardyne trails, meeting at Season's Coffee shop by the Dunoon Tourist Information Centre at 0930. You can book your place on these - or any of the other Cowalfest activities by visiting their website at www.cowalfest.org or by dropping in to the Season's Coffee shop.

We will be kicking off our contribution to the festival with our Nuts About Squirrels event at Glenbranter on Saturday 9th October from 11am-4pm, come along and join us for some Russet Related Recreation!

So wrap up warm and I'll see you Cowalfesting around the Forest!

Bat Watch 2010

A dry but blustery Wednesday night saw a 28 strong band of intrepid Bat Watchers gather in the Kilbride Car Park for the 3rd Bat watch of the season.
Things started off with a quick cuppa from the back of the little green van while local bat expert and FCS ranger Andy Kerr described the different habitats we would be visiting and the types of bats we could expect to encounter. As things got a bit darker and with bat detectors held high, we ventured into the Forest around Bishop's Glen and very soon an excited buzz passed through the group as we heard the click, click, click of Soprano Pippestrelle bats overhead. For some in the group this was their first time actually hearing and seeing bats in the wild, and they were thoroughly amazed at how close they came to us, how fast they flew and how well we could hear them echo locating through the bat detectors.
We continued on into the glen and spent some time on the bridge watching and listening as we were visited by more Soprano's and some Brown Long Eared bats, much to the delight of the group - particularly the children!
Returning to the car park via the forest road, questions were asked and answered and the overall feeling was that the night was a great success, and at least one bat watcher was off home to search a well known internet auction site for night vision goggles and bat detector!
Many thanks to all who came along, and in particular Andy Kerr, Annette Watson of Visit Scotland and Rowan Fraser - Ranger with Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, for giving up their time and sharing their knowledge so enthusiastically.

We look forward to more of the same next year. In the meantime - why not get out there yourself and see if you can spot the bats - or anything else for that matter.

See you around the forest (probably in the daylight!)