Whinlatter’s Go Ape adventure centre will have to rebuild its Treetop Challenge course due to a loss of larch trees.
The Forestry Commission has been forced to remove diseased larch trees in an operation involving the use of a specially-adapted helicopter.
Sudden larch death has caused the rapid decline and death of larch trees of all ages across the country. Stem cankers, needle lesions and canopy dieback are all symptoms of the disease.
The work will also involve the creation of a new post for an assistant to help find out what people want ahead of the rebuild.
The job will be part of the Government’s Kickstart programme.
Whinlatter site manager Barry Hobbs said: “With the loss of the larches around the visitor centre at Whinlatter, we will have to rebuild our course in the next year or two.
“And we have a Kickstart vacancy for a marketing and research assistant. I am looking forward to recruiting a KickStart colleague who can help me find out what our future customers are really wanting to do in the forest and to work with the many accommodation providers in the area to find out how they would like us to interact with their guests.”
The Government’s Kickstart initiative is a new £2 billion scheme to get young people into work. It is open to 16-24-year-olds who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Go Ape managing director Nick Hall said: “When we heard about Kickstart, we absolutely knew we wanted to get involved.
“Values like providing ‘Well-rewarded careers’ and ‘Doing the right thing’ are at the heart of Go Ape.”
Go Ape’s Treetop Challenge course has been attracting thrill-seekers this week since reopening on Monday. Rides are also available on Forest Segways.
COVID regulations are continuing with all bookings in advance and a maximum of two households (six people) will be accepted up until May 17 after which bookings of up to 30 will be allowed.
Social distancing is built into Go Ape operating procedures and sanitising stations are available to customers and staff at points during all Go Ape visits.
All Go Ape employees will wear face shields. Customers can also wear personal protective equipment including masks and gloves.
