Forestry and Land Scotland is asking visitors to pay close attention to safety signs as verge clearance gets underway along forest roads between Golspie and Fort Augustus.
The annual programme involves cutting back broom, gorse, scrub and naturally regenerating trees that have edged too close to the roadside.
Teams are using mulching equipment along with circular saws and sheers in some locations which brings a clear risk of flying debris.
Visitors are being urged to follow the instruction signs at every work zone, to use alternative routes where possible or, when work is at its busiest, to wait until banksmen advise that it is safe to go through.
FLS Civil Engineer Anna Torode said the work is a vital part of keeping these routes safe and resilient throughout the year.
“Part of our road maintenance regime involves cutting back roadside vegetation to protect the roads and improve access.
“It limits root damage to the roads, helps to keep drains flowing and allows light and airflow to improve and dry out the roads.
“It also really helps visibility and provides clear, unobstructed access through our forests which makes things safer for our machine operators and for visitors.
“However, it can be quite dangerous so visitors should observe all safety measures in place.”
Roadside vegetation holds moisture long after rain has stopped which leads to waterlogged surfaces that rut more easily under heavy use.
In winter the trapped moisture increases the risk of frost heave which can damage the road surface in a matter of days.
Keeping verges clear also creates a fire break, reducing the fuel load beside the road and lowering the chance of a fire spreading across a forest route.
Should a fire occur, the cleared corridor gives fire crews the access they need to reach an emergency without delay.
The work is carried out in autumn and winter to avoid bird nesting season and environmental surveys are completed where required before machinery begins.
Although the primary aim is safety and road protection, the mulching process can also create new habitats for a wide range of species.
FLS Wildlife Ecologist Colin Leslie said this part of the operation often offers ecological benefits that are only now being understood.
“Mulched material creates habitats for various species, particularly fungi and other lower taxa but this man made habitat is not well understood.
“The fertilising effect of mulch that has decomposed will likely alter soil biodiversity communities, potentially increasing biodiversity at the local scale.
“Removal of dense vegetation also allows many pollinator plants to flourish creating a food source for many species.
“This way we can maintain suitable habitat for rare species such as Narrow bordered Bee Hawkmoth and Pearl bordered Fritillary.”
