Shropshire Star

Forest walking routes affected as Mortimer Forest 'tree harvest' begins

A popular forest walking route near Ludlow is being closed off as trees are 'harvested' as a part of the Mortimer Forest management plan.

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Forestry England map of routes affected

Forestry England in Shropshire and Herefordshire say the Whitcliffe Loop will be closed for the spring and diversions put in place for the Climbing Jack Trail and the Mortimer Trail.

"Mortimer Forest is a working woodland producing sustainable timber," said a Forestry England spokesman.

"We will be continuing harvesting operations in the area known as Lower Evens, between the Mortimer Forest Office and Mary Knoll Valley over the next three to four months."

The wood remains open but visitors are advised to follow all onsite signage and closure information.

Alternative walks of a similar distance to the Whitcliffe Loop are available at Vinnalls and Black Pool

We will be thinning out the woodland by removing some of the trees to allow more space and light for the remaining trees to grow," added the spokesman.

The Whitcliffe Loop from the Whitcliffe Car Park be closed for an expected two to three months from Monday to Friday but open on weekends. The Climbing Jack Trail and Mortimer Trail will have diversions in place.

For more information visit forestryengland.uk/article/forest-operations-mortimer-forest