Forestry Commission - News - autumn sweeps across dumfries and galloway

Autumn colours are sweeping over many forests in the Dumfries and Galloway region creating a stunning display of red, orange and golden leaves.

For weeks now, foresters have been monitoring the colour changes at Mabie, Dalbeattie, Glentrool, Cally Wood and Kirroughtree as part of the Forestry Commission's national Autumn Colours campaign.

All the information has been plotted on a special website to entice more people out into the woods during the season.

Keith Muir of Forestry Commission Scotland said:

"We've certainly had some wild weather over the past few weeks but thankfully we still have some leaves left on the trees! The colder weather has triggered the leaves to change colour and we are seeing some amazing sights in the woods and forests. Over the next week or so we expect autumn to reach its peak so its well worth getting the jacket and boots on for a walk in the country.

"We've been monitoring a number of forests so there's plenty to chose from in the region. Visitors can nip to Mabie forest just outside Dumfries and enjoy popular walks for all in great woodland settings, or let the kids run riot in the playpark. Dalbeattie forest is also a great place to go as the peaceful views over the lochan in autumn can be breathtaking.

"The more rugged landscapes of Galloway Forest Park are also a fine setting for an autumnal walk or bike ride. There's plenty to choose from and walkers and bikers can start from Kirroughtree Visitor centre to enjoy a network of walking trails or the more adventurous 7stanes biking routes. Log on to the website or put in a call to the enquiry line to help you plan for a day out."

The autumn hotspots being monitored in Dumfries and Galloway are:

Mabie Forest - just outside Dumfries. Scenic mixed woodland walks, 7stanes mountain biking and bike hire on site and children's playpark.
Dalbeattie forest - a network of walking trails and a scenic lochan, 7stanes biking at the Hardrock Trail.
Kirroughtree forest - near Newton Stewart. Fantastic 7stanes biking trails, woodland walks and visitor centre.
Glentrool - woodland walks in conifer and mixed woodlands, forest road biking trails and visitor centre.
Cally Woods - near Gatehouse of Fleet. Historic grounds of mixed woodland in the old Cally estate.

More information on all the walks, cycle rides and view points is available on the Autumn Colours website www.forestry.gov.uk/autumn, or alternatively, callers to the public enquiry line 0845 367 3787 (0845 FORESTS) can get a special Autumn Colours pack with details.

Media enquiries to: Keith Muir, Galloway Forest District, 0781 842 7423 (m) or 01671 402 420 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.