Kielder Forest closed until further notice after Storm Isha damage

Kielder Forest will be closed to members of the public 'until further notice', so Forestry England can asses the damage caused by Storm Isha and prepare for Storm Jocelyn, which is expected to arrive later this week.

The park officials have confirmed that a number of trees which were blown over by the wind of Storm Isha and has many blocking access routes and trails. There also has been some flooding across the area, causing further damage.

A spokesperson has said: "Following Storm Isha, and with Storm Jocelyn due to arrive later this week, Kielder Forest is currently closed to the public to allow the team to assess and deal with storm damage across England’s largest forest.

"Alongside a number of trees blown over by the wind, many blocking access routes and trails there has also been flooding across the area, causing further damage. Overhanging trees can be dangerous, especially with further strong winds forecast, and we thank everyone for the continued patience.

"For safety reasons Forestry England are asking the public to avoid the forest until the team are able to fully assess the damage after Storm Jocelyn. A further update will be published on the Forestry England website and Kielder Forest Facebook page in due course."

The last time Kielder Forest was badly damaged was during Storm Arwen in 2021, when tens of thousands of trees, which stood for decades, were been destroyed.