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

The Garw and Ogmore Vale Forest Resource Plan is made up of 8 woodlands in Bridgend, covering approximately 1777 hectares. The setting for of the majority of the woodlands in the north of the plan are exposed uplands with steep valley sides. The woodlands are bordered by open grassland habitat on the uplands with some fields, hedgerows and native woodlands to the south. The woodlands in the south are smaller in size and located on the outskirts of Bridgend.

Below is a link to the summary of objectives for the plan:

Garw and Ogmore Forest Resource Plan Summary of Objectives

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

Explanation of map keys

Maps

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:

• Clear felling of larch and other conifers in the next ten years
• More broadleaves along river corridors and valley sides
• Restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites
• Diversification of tree species

Why your views matter

We would like to know your opinion and views on the new plans for Garw and Ogmore Vale 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.