Woodland Walkers asked to "Keep It Clean"

New campaign launched by Forestry Commission Scotland

Visitors to Scotland's woods should "Keep It Clean".

The Forestry Commission Scotland have launched a campaign today asking the public to clean mud off their boots, tyres, kit and pets before every woodland trip to keep trees healthy.

The commission hope the campaign's simple advice will stop the spread of pest and diseases. 

Environment Minister, Dr Aileen McLeod, said;  

"This is a very simple idea that could have a very big impact on tree health. Our forests are a vital environmental, economic, social and cultural resource and we should all willingly play our part in doing what we can to protect them. Keeping it clean is a fundamental message that we should all support - the people who visit and work in woodlands are key to protecting our trees."

Dr Anna Brown, the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Head of Tree Health, said;

"Practising good biosecurity is one of the key aspects of preventing the spread of tree pest and diseases. One of the ways that they can arrive in a healthy forest is to be carried there in mud and forest debris that gets stuck on people’s boots and bicycle tyres, or even on dog’s paws and horse’s hooves.

We’re encouraging anyone involved in land or forest management to download the graphic and make use of the promotional film to help spread the message and make people aware of the importance of their role in keeping our forests and trees healthy."