Dumfries and Galloway Council faces an estimated £30,000 bill to reopen Tank Wood in Moffat, a woodland walk that has remained closed since October of the previous year due to hazards posed by fallen trees and dead branches.
The woodland path serves as a crucial connector between two established walking routes in the south of Scotland. Its prolonged closure has prompted concern among local residents and visitors who regularly use the area for recreation.
A formal report submitted to the council's Annandale and Eskdale area committee acknowledged that keeping Tank Wood inaccessible has been "causing a detriment to people's enjoyment of the local area." The document recognised the site's value as a community resource and the impact its unavailability has had on outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.
What work is needed to make the woodland safe?
An independent tree survey has identified significant remedial work required before public access can resume. The assessment recommends the removal of seven trees entirely, with additional safety work needed on approximately 100 further trees throughout the woodland. These interventions are considered essential to eliminate the health and safety risks that prompted the initial closure.
When will the work begin?
The council is currently requesting quotations from specialist contractors capable of executing the work outlined in the tree survey. Once these estimates have been reviewed and compared, the authority intends to commence the necessary operations "at the earliest opportunity to address the identified health and safety risks."
A council statement emphasised its commitment to the project: "The council recognises the importance of Tank Wood as a valued community asset and is committed to undertaking the necessary tree safety works as quickly as practicable."
Officials confirmed that "the woodland will remain closed to the public until the identified works have been completed and the area can be safely reopened." This means visitors will continue to be unable to access the route until all remedial measures have been finished and a full safety assessment confirms the area is suitable for public use once more.
Key Facts
- Tank Wood has been closed since October due to fallen trees and branches creating safety hazards
- The woodland path connects two established walking routes in the Moffat area
- Seven trees require complete removal and approximately 100 trees need remedial work
- The council estimates the total cost of reopening at £30,000
- Work will begin once contractor quotations have been evaluated
