Forestry and Land Scotland is reminding people to stay safe when visiting forests over the summer.

The call comes as FLS gears up to welcome thousands of visitors over the summer as people across the country try to catch up with their trips to the great outdoors.

With staycationing on the cards and the weather looking to be good, many popular sites are going to be in high demand, so FLS has brought some seasonal rangers to help everyone get the most out of their visit.

Jaynie Ireland, an FLS seasonal ranger for West Region, said;

“We’re raring to go and we’re expecting lots of people to be making a beeline for our sites.

“It’s going to be busy so this summer and it’s great to be working as part of the FLS team that will be on hand offering help and advice and generally helping to make sure that everyone has a really enjoyable time.”

As well as helping visitors as they arrive on site by providing information about sites and available amenities, the seasonal rangers will also be encouraging people to behave responsibly, considerately and safely.

Derek White, an FLS seasonal ranger covering the Moray area, added;

“It’s great to be joining FLS and getting the chance to work outdoors, especially when we know everyone is champing at the bit to get out to the amazing sites we look after.

“We’ll be reminding visitors that one way of ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable visit is to try and have as little impact as possible and leave any site as they would hope to find it.

“It’s a simple courtesy but if everyone does their bit then we’ll all have a great summer.”

As well as encouraging visitors to take their litter home and to be aware of fire risks and appropriate behaviour, FLS site staff will also be reminding people that many of its sites are working forests:  with harvesting, haulage and civil engineering work taking place working forests can be hazardous and that all signage needs to be observed and obeyed.