Cwmcarn Forest Resource Plan Consultation

Overview

Read this page in Welsh / Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

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, which set out the long-term vision for these woodlands and are the basis for 10-25-year silvicultural programmes of work (management of the trees) that set out to deliver this vision.

Cwmcarn Forest Resource Plan is made up approximately 9 woodlands most of which are in the Caerphilly Country Borough area and cover 1,911 hectares.

The setting for the woodlands are steep sided valleys and flatter upland plateaus with a large proportion being Plantation on Ancient Woodland. The majority of the Cwmcarn FRP extends along the steep sided Lower Sirhywi and Ebbw Valleys close to the communities of Risca, Crosskeys, Cwmcarn, Abercarn, Wattsville, Cwmfelinfach and Ynysddu. There are two outlying blocks in Machen & Llanbradach which are in the Lower Rhymney Valley.

Maps

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

Explanation of map keys

Overview of Forest Resource Plan Forests

Location Map

Map 1 - Long Term Primary Management Objectives

Map 2 - Forest Management Systems

Map 3 – Indicative Forest Types and Habitats

Summary of the main changes that will occur in the forest:

• More broadleaves along river corridors and valley sides
• Restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites
• Diversification of tree species
• Removal of remaining stands of larch to deal with phytophthora ramorum

Why your views matter

We would like to know your opinion and views on the new plans within Cwmcarn Forest Resource Plan, so it can help us improve the long-term management of the forest.