Mountain bikers are posing an unusual challenge to foresters working in Pitmedden Forest, near Abernethy.
Forestry Commission Scotland is soon to start forest-thinning operations and will also be clearing a small number of trees.
The proposed works could take up to three months to complete and will mean that access to some parts of the woodland will be restricted.
Complicating matters, however, is the forest’s popularity with mountain biking enthusiasts.
“Pitmedden Forest is a popular place for walking and horse riding but is best known by mountain bikers for its natural, single-track trails, which crisscross large areas of the forest,” said forester Robin Lofthouse.
“This makes our job very challenging as while we want to try and avoid damaging these trails, many of them are routed down the same rides which our machinery use to gain access.
“In consultation with local riders we have identified some key trails which will be marked to avoid and we will do our best to minimise damage to others wherever possible.”
Mr Lofthouse said thinning the woodland was vital as creating more space would improve the health and quality of the remaining trees and the timber they produce.
By letting light reach the woodland floor, the work will also stimulate the growth of ground flora and a new generation of trees.
He is confident that the forest will recover quickly and that there will even be opportunities for new routes to emerge in what was previously inaccessible woodland.
In addition to some of the main routes, a number of the small informal paths will also be closed, either because machinery needs to cross them or because they will become blocked with cut timber and branch wood.
Mr Lofthouse added: “Members of the public are still welcome to visit the forest but we urge everyone to be mindful of any warning notices on the site.”
For more information, contact Tay Forest District on 01350 727284, or email tay.fd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.