Natural Resources Wales have warned that forest users are putting their lives at risk by ignoring safety signs.

Sections of the forest have been closed off to prepare for tree felling operations. Large sections of the popular woodland are suffering from Larch disease. Natural Resources Wales have a plan to complete the work over the next few years and are working with stakeholders to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Mike James, Local Area Manager Central, said: “Next Wednesday (26 September) the car park at Forest Fawr will reopen after a three week closure to allow us to begin felling infected larch trees and create a footpath diversion.

“Work to fell infected larch is likely to continue until the end of March next year, but we want to try and keep areas of the forest open for people to use.

“To help us do this we have created a diversion route, so people can continue to enjoy the forest safely whilst the work is carried out. The route is clearly signposted on panels around the forest

“However, during the first few weeks of felling there have already been a number of people who have ignored our warning signs. We’ve also found signs which have been vandalised and removed. This could risk people’s lives and the safety of our workers.

We cannot stress enough how dangerous a live harvesting site is, so for your safety it’s really important that you follow signs and diversions, even if you can’t hear or see any activity.

“Closing the forest is the last thing we want to do, but if safety warnings continued to be breached, we will have no choice but to stop public access whilst the work is carried out.

“Fforest Fawr is a wonderful place, and we want people to continue to enjoy the forest whilst the felling is carried out, so we ask that you please work with us for this short period of time so we can ensure everybody’s safety.”

If you have any questions or concerns about the work in Fforest Fawr, you can contact Natural Resources Wales.