Llandovery 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.

Llandovery Forest Resource Plan encompasses around 765 Ha across one main block at Pen Arthur and several smaller blocks. 

• Pen Arthur 

• Talley 

• Felindre 

• Monument 

• Llynwormwood 

Opportunities within Llandovery 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. The development of OECM (Other Effective Area Based Conservation Methods) in one of the Woodlands and the inclusion of the Llandovery woodlands in a wider silvan REN (Resilient Ecological Network) will help to meet our ambition to increase ecosystem resilience in the face of the afore mentioned emergencies.

PAWS Restoration

Continue with our planned restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to semi-natural woodland state by using broadleaved species regeneration and 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 SPA features

Extend and develop a riparian woodland network to benefit water quality and quantity to ensure minimal impact from forest operations on the Tywi SAC.

Health & Wellbeing

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. Maintain the current provision for walking, equestrian, mountain biking and rambling interests.

Species Diversity

Continue to improve the resilience of the woodlands 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.  

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 the forest (for example connecting hedgerows and ancient woodland remnants).

Timber Production

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

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. Work with Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. 

Location Map

https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/forest-planning-cynllunio-coedwig/llandovery-forest-resource-plan/user_uploads/llandovery-location-map.pdf

Map 1

Map 2

Map 3 

Why your views matter

We would welcome your opinions about our plans for Llandovery. We will use these to improve our management of the forests.