THE Forestry Commission has announced plans to take delivery of 35 Citroën Berlingo XTR+ vans to use on some of its toughest terrain.

The group, which has ordered the recently-launched specialist vehicles as part of a 100-strong order of Berlingos, will allocate them to operators requiring off-road capabilities.

The XTR+ is not a four-wheel drive but has been developed with high ground clearance, improved traction and a slip deferential which means off-road, the system automatically provides extra grip.

A Citroën spokesman said: ‘The Berlingo vans will be operated in a variety of roles, including by supervisors and for carrying tools, lubricants, dogs and wet weather gear, with some of them also replacing a number of the Forestry commission’s 4x4 vehicles.’

The Forestry Commission has also specified a number of modifications to the vans, including rear passenger seat conversions for additional crew members, increased ride-height conversions and sump guards.