Brechfa Forest Resource Plan

Overview

Natural Resources Wales is responsible for the sustainable management of the publicly owned woodlands and forests of Wales. They are managed for the benefit and well-being of the people who visit them and depend on them for their livelihood. This responsibility includes improving their biodiversity and long-term resilience to climate change so that future generations will also be able to enjoy the benefits they provide. Every ten years Natural Resources Wales reviews the long-term management plans for each forest area. These are compiled in a new Forest Resource Plan.

Brechfa Forest Resource Plan covers a large area of forest to the north east of Carmarthen. It is mainly made up of productive conifer crops with an element of broadleaved woodland in the south.  

Maps

Map 1 Long Term Primary Objectives

Map 2 Forest Management Systems

Map 3 Indicative Forest Types

This document helps to explain some of the categories shown on the maps above:

Explanation of map keys                                           

Opportunities within Brechfa forest 

The proposed Forest Resource Plan has at its core a response to the climate and nature emergencies we are facing currently. The restoration of ancient woodland and development of native riparian woodland over time will not only help lock up carbon but also provide a refuge for many species, both flora and fauna and aquatic and terrestrial. The renewed focus on growing high quality timber and a change to continuous cover forest management systems will also support a high value forest products industry locking up carbon for longer and reducing runoff in extreme weather events.

Timber Production

Continue to maintain a sustainable supply of timber production and maximise productive areas through restocking choices and forest management strategies.

Species Diversity

Continue to improve resilience of woodland by diversifying restock species where suitable soil conditions are present in order to protect against pests and disease and to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Opportunity exists where Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) larch felling has been completed.  

PAWS Restoration

Continue with restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to semi-natural woodland state by using broadleaved species planting and LISS (Low Impact Silvicultural Systems) management in highlighted areas of medium to high restoration potential, whilst supporting the diversification of age class and structure of the forest. Continue to improve habitat connectivity of ancient semi-natural woodland through this process.

Protection of SAC and SSSI features

Extend and develop a riparian woodland network to benefit water quality and quantity to ensure minimal impact from forest operations on the Teifi and Tywi SACs. Introduce bespoke management prescriptions to support the cSSSI that has been designated within the Marlais catchment.

Protected species

Work in partnership with the Brechfa West Windfarm ecological steering group to promote the conservation and habitat creation required for the important nightjar population.

Health & Wellbeing

Promote access and forest use for locals and visitors for the benefit of mental, physical wellbeing and health in line with the relevant Rights of Way Improvement plans. Maintain the current provision for walking, equestrian, mountain biking and rambling interests.

Habitat Connectivity

Continue to support habitat linkage and connectivity in suitable areas alongside riparian zones, forest roads and PROW (Public Rights of Way), using appropriate management methods and native species.  This shall be considered from a perspective both within and without of the forest resource (for example connecting hedgerows and ancient woodland remnants).

Heritage Features

Identify heritage feature locations and impact zones in order to avoid damage or concealment.

Deer Control

Development of deer management infrastructure to combat rising impact on restocking and natural regeneration across Wales.  

Aesthetics & Landscape

Retain forest character within surrounding landscape and consider visual perception for the benefit of visitors and residents.

Windfarm Liaison

Continue to develop management strategies to compliment the energy assets being developed on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE).

Why your views matter

We would like to know your opinion and views on the new plans for Brechfa forest so it can help us improve the long-term management of the forest

What happens next

A summary of the consultation responses and outcomes will be available on this website 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date.