Walkers and cyclists frequenting the popular Ness Islands in Inverness will face eight months of disruption there from the start of next week.
Contractor Brandon Landscape Ltd will begin tree works which will take at least six months to complete.
Bridge and path repairs will also form part of the programme.
In a statement, the local authority has urged the public to adhere to signs erected at the islands’ entrance which will detail the nature of work being carried out each day.
The local authority said that areas where these works will take place will be cordoned off “without affecting the public too much”.
The statement added: “Access across the islands will not be possible when work is taking place on bridges. Signs will be displayed at the islands’ entrances on these days. Works will be weather and river-level dependent and forewarning of closures will not be possible. Check the signs each time.”
For safety, the council statement urges walkers to follow diverted routes as indicated, dog walkers to keep dogs on leads, cyclists should travel at a slow pace, and children should be kept under visual contact at all times.
The council stressed that the works are necessary to prolong the islands as a popular area for people to enjoy and benefit for years to come.
Inverness West councillor Graham Ross highlighted that works on the riverbanks could not be done at other times of the year due to fish spawning.
He added: “While it seems inconvenient, the reality is that there are not many other times of the year when you can do these things. I would sooner get it done and get the place back open properly four tourists and local people.
“Certainly, if it’s going to maintain the islands and improve access it’s well worth doing, and obviously there is a safety aspect for the bridges as well which have to be done. It’s a case of a wee bit of pain for the overall gain.”
