Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have announced plans to manage the removal of diseased larch trees from Fforest Fawr. Approximately 4,000 trees will be felled over the next 3 years.
I spoke to NRW’s Local Area Manager, Mike James, at yesterday’s drop in session and he went through the plans with me. Phase 1 of the work is due to start at the beginning of September and could last up to 6 months. The car park will be closed for the first 3 weeks while they fell trees close to the diversion trail (see maps below) so it’s safe to open.
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Mike explained, “This diversion trail is meant for pedestrians and disability access only, most of it is a public footpath and it is not suitable for a multi user trail as there would be too much conflicting traffic.
“Whist two thirds of the permissive horse route will be closed during operations, the rest of it to the north, around Ty Rhiw, will be open and we are working with the Safe Facilities for Equestrians group to facilitate this.”
Cyclists can still access the forest from the Taff Trail.
Interpretation panels will be in place at 5 sites around the forest showing the exclusion zone. NRW are asking visitors to obey all safety signage.
Mike added, “We are doing our best to keep as much of the forest open as possible and will reopen trails if we can as the operation progresses.”
Phase 2 is scheduled to start in September 2021.
Exploring the Larch Disease in Fforest Fawr with Natural Resources Wales https://t.co/sr93rAO3GH pic.twitter.com/5LIxooOrmw
— Tongwynlais, Cardiff (@mytongwynlais) November 8, 2017
You can get in touch with Natural Resources Wales by phone, 0300 065 3000 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), email (enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk) or on Twitter and Facebook.
