Crychan Forest Resource Plan
Feedback updated 4 Mar 2022
We asked
We asked for your comments on the plans for the management of Crychan Forest over the next 10 years.
The Forest Resource Plan is the high level plan that determines the overall forest types (such as ancient woodland) and management prescriptions (such as continuous cover forestry) but does not go into the detail of the day to day management of the forest. This is provided by our Land Management and Forest Operations teams.
You said
From the consultation response it was clear that the infomation around the access and recreation provision was lacking in clarity and detail.
There were positive comments on the proposals for an increase in riparian and ancient woodland and the move to increase the area of forest under continous cover.
There were also positive comments on the provision of habitat for protected species.
The current access and recreation provision also generated many positive comments.
We did
We have prepared the following statement to provide additional detail and clarity around our provision of access and recreation in Crychan Forest.
The Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE) is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). A significant proportion of the WGWE has been designated permissive access for walking, cycling and equestrian use and this includes Crychan forest.
Crychan forest contains 4 Car Parks, 5 waymarked Walking Trails and 5 horse corals and also includes a network of public rights of ways including footpaths, bridleways and Unclassified roads. Both horse-riders and carriage drivers can make use of Crychan for riding under the terms of a Concordat between Natural Resources Wales and the British Horse Society (BHS). NRW are committed to retain this infrastructure for the continued recreational use of the forest.
NRW also work closely with the Crychan Forest Association who complete two trail inspections a year on a number of walking and horse riding routes in Crychan and Halfway. They also promote the trails, the woodland and on occasions host events.
The forest roads within Crychan were constructed for the purpose of timber extraction and forestry operations that also provide permissive recreational access for walking, cycling and horse riding. These forest roads are maintained prior to and following forestry operations and provide wide and firm routes. These routes are suitable for horse riding and carriage driving. However, as these routes are within a working forest, certain locations may be closed off for safety reasons or during certain times of the year due to forestry operations. NRW therefore request that all users follow and obey any safety signage provided on site.
Any issues of anti social behaviour should be reported to our incident hotline (03000 65 3000) and any illegal activity to the hotline and/or the police via 101.
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.
Crychan Forest Resource Plan covers a large area of forest to the north east of Llandovery. It is mainly made up of productive conifer crops with wide broadleaved riparian woodland beginning to be developed in the west of the forest.
This document helps to explain some of the categories shown on the maps below:
Opportunities within Crychan forest
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 broadleaf planting and LISS 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 Wye SAC. Develop a maintenance strategy for the Crychan Tracks SSSI.
Protected species
Continue management of the forest to favour dormice where present.
Health & Well Being
Promote access and forest use for locals and visitors for the benefit of mental and physical wellbeing and health in line with the relevant Rights of Way Improvement plans.
Habitat Connectivity
Continue to support habitat linkage and connectivity in suitable areas alongside riparian zones, forest roads and PROW, 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
Implementation of deer management infrastructure to combat rising impact on restocking across Wales.
Aesthetics & Landscape
Retain forest character within surrounding landscape and consider visual perception for the benefit of visitors and residents.
Why your views matter
We would like to know your opinion and views on the new plans for Crychan 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.
Areas
- Llandovery
- Llanwrtyd Wells
Audiences
- Management
Interests
- Forest Management
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