Hafren 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.

The Hafren forest resource plan area totals 3513 hectares incorporating the main Hafren Forest block (2875 ha) and five satellite forestry blocks.  Three to the north (Dolgau, Llwynygog Hill and Llwynygog) and two to the east and south (Tan Hinon and Maes Y Brynar respectively).

Hafren Forest sits on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, seven miles west of the market town of Llanidloes.  It can be accessed from Llanidloes town centre via the narrow road to Old Hall or via the northern end of Llyn Clywedog on minor roads.

The forest is adjacent on its western edge to the Pumlunom, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its peat bog habitat and upland breeding bird populations.

Hafren Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales. The National Forest will create areas of new woodland and help to restore existing woodlands including some of Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands. In time, it will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

Below is a link to the summary of objectives for the plan followed by the indicative maps for the forest resource plan:

Hafren Forest Summary Objectives

The following document helps to explain some of the categories shown on the maps:

Explanation of map keys                                           

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

NRW will maintain or improve timber production to ensure ongoing support for Welsh economy as global timber demands increase and reserves diminish over the next 25 years.

Hafren forest has an extensive riparian network which will continue to be maintained as well as selecting new riparian sections to support to water quality, pH balance and increase of biodiversity.

Much of the forest is in acid sensitive catchments meaning that forestry operations near watercourses will be highlighted as particularly sensitive and appropriate mitigating protocols should be administered.

Natural flood management opportunities to support wet woodland habitat creation, biodiversity and potential local flood management benefits will be explored.

Plant and develop an increasingly diverse tree species mixture where soil and altitude are suitable.

The Pumlumon SSSI requires a combination of open habitat buffering, broadleaf planting (where appropriate) and a development of a graded edge to prevent non-native conifer establishing and to give a softer transition to the landscape.

Scheduled monuments, heritage features and cultural heritage points should be protected in order to preserve the historical value of these locations within the forest.

Recreation and access are important for this site and facilities should be maintained or improved where available (e.g. tracks and trails).  Increasing footfall to the site will promote the forest status, particularly as it is now recognised as an exemplar site for the National Forest of Wales.

Continue to protect high profile osprey nesting sites for benefit of visitors, education and research.

Why your views matter

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