Further to Dave's news about work in the Fetteresso, Ann and Alvar Thorn bring further news.

The works traffic is for the construction of the Mid Hill Wind Farm – 25 turbines due to be up by August, planning permission being sought for a further further nine to be built concurrently.

Any Challenger passing through the forest will have to take additional care. Local farmer says access isn't affected but signs on site say rights of way can be closed if necessary for construction work.

Those planning to overnight in the forest should be extremely careful about where they pitch.

Note that works tracks range through various other parts of the forest. Main construction track believed to follow Cowie Water, with traffic moving on tracks south of Hill of Hobseat, past Tillybreak then NE to A957, and south past Hill of Quithel.

MAP OF PROPOSED TURBINE LOCATIONS:



OR CLICK HERE TO OPEN IN NEW WINDOW

What a balls-up.

Planting these d***ed things just about ruins the area.

Miffed of Timperley

Is nowhere safe? Does no-one object.

Apparently this one was approved back in 2004!

The Forestry Commission's forest liaison officer has been in touch to request that people stick to rights of way in the Fetteresso Forest.

As a courtesy, we ask that Challengers respect this request where possible and practicable. The request has come very late in the day (the wind farm has had planning consent since 2004!) and we appreciate that there's not a cat in hell's chance that the message will reach all Challengers in time.

We also appreciate that diverting around the forest might involve lengthy and unwelcome stretches of tarmac bashing, though the Deeside Way might provide an alternative for those unwilling to walk through a construction site.

Please respect the construction teams and be courteous in any encounters. Let us know if you have any problems at all.

Construction is likely to be carrying on during daylight hours, which can be from about 4.30am to 10pm. Those planning to camp would be well advised to do so as far away from the construction site area as possible, and off tracks, roads etc.

Beware also of any contamination of water sources.