A POPULAR red squirrel trail and viewing point in the Yorkshire Dales is closing temporarily for tree felling work.

The Snaizeholme red squirrel viewing area lies in the heart of the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve near Hawes and boasts a coniferous woodland ideal for red squirrels.

However, due to woodland management works, the trail and viewpoint will be closed to public access from October 6 until November 10.

Work due to be undertaken includes tree felling and the removal of 400 tonnes of timber.

This will reduce the amount of suitable habitat for red squirrels in the short-term, but is part of necessary management work to ensure that the woodland provides a long-term sustainable food source for the squirrels.

As part of the work, upward of 1,000 trees will be replanted in line with the woodland management plan.

There are several areas of work, which will mean some temporary access restrictions on public footpaths and no access at all to the viewpoint area for the work duration.

The closures are necessary to protect the public from machinery operations.

During this period there will be no access for visitors using either the Little White Bus or private cars.

Further information is available by emailing dcm@yorkshiredales.org.uk