Storm Arwen recovery update

Updated 2nd June 2023

Kielder Water and Forest Park

On 26 November 2021, the north of England experienced significant northerly winds leading to storm damage which affected trees, buildings and other infrastructure. Storm Malik and storm Corrie over weekend 29/30 January 2022 has led to more trees falling over and slowing down the recovery process.

Forestry England’s first priority in the aftermath of the storm was to help the rural communities cut off from power such as in Kielder Forest, where staff worked with other agencies including the power company, to clear fallen and unstable trees from power lines, access roads and main paths.

We are now thankfully into the final set of formal trail closures across the county following storm Arwen which took place on 26th November 2021.

The remaining areas are now the most complex to work through in tree clearance and some sadly will remain closed into 2024.

We continue to ask that everyone stays on the main forest tracks and always adhere to all information/ warning signs and barriers. Emergency services have been dealing with situations this year in storm damaged areas which is really problematic and unsafe so we all need to keep on message to stay to open waymarked trails and forest roads.

The table below highlights what those trails and areas still closed or diverted, please check this list before travelling to Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre

Currently closed due to renovation works.

Status of forest walks

Facility / route name

Open/Closed/Partially open

Updates

Skyspace/ Kielder Observatory

Open with diversion using forest road.

Will remain closed into late 2023.

Wild Trails (near Kielder Castle

Closed.

Reopening late summer 2023, work underway to recover area.

Sidwood Bastle Trail

Closed.

Will be closed for many months, into 2024.

Cycle Trail/ Mountain Bike facilities

Facility / route name

Open/Closed/Partially open

Updates

Lonesome Pine Trail

Closed.

Skydive section ONLY open. Long term closure on rest of trail- could be late 2024 reopened due to complexity of site and works.

Cycle Skills Loop

Closed.

Closed until 2024.

Information on routes available to walk or cycle are available on the Visit Kielder website: www.visitkielder.com

 

Wider Northumberland Forests

Forest Name

Open/Closed/Partially open

Updates

Thrunton

Closed.

Partial reopening summer 2023, details soon.

Kidland

Forest roads open.

Rights of way blocked - Kidland forest roads fully open.