Beacon Hill (North East) forest operations

Overview

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What work will take place?

Forest operations in the north east area of Beacon Hill woodland, Wye Valley, are due to begin in Autumn 2025 and will take about six months to complete.

The work is part of a wider effort to restore and improve the health of the woodland following the disruption caused by the larch disease outbreak. The thinning will:

• open the canopy to encourage natural regeneration.
• improve the stability and resilience of the remaining tree crops.
• support the restoration of ancient woodland, particularly in the southern areas of the site.

Access and Footpath Closures
Public Rights of Way will be officially closed during the operation period. However, we will make every effort to keep as many footpaths open as possible. Closures will be temporary and limited to active work zones, reopening as operations progress.

Safety
During the work, please follow all signage and safety instructions and be aware of timber wagon movements on forest roads.

Find out more about how to visit our forests safely.

Work updates
Updates on the work will be posted here - please check back soon.

Map showing the affected area

Why do we thin trees?

Once an area of trees has matured to a certain size, they begin to compete with one another for nutrients, water, and light.

Thinning the trees helps to reduce this competition and allows us to remove unhealthy trees and those that are not growing well. It also encourages natural regeneration of native species and helps restore our ancient woodlands.

This is one of the most beneficial activities that can be done for a growing forest and is a vital part of the forest cycle.

Find out more about how we look after our forests:  Lifecycle of our Forests and Woodlands 

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

Forest infrastructure works at Beacon Hill - Autum/Winter 2025

We’re improving your local forest infrastructure.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management and public safety, we will be undertaking essential works in the Beacon Hill area starting in  autumn 2025 and continuing through to winter.

What’s happening?

The project will involve upgrading forest roads, improving drainage (SUDS), track construction and will be carried out by NRW’s appointed contractors.

Why is this important?

These improvements will:

• enhance access for forestry operations and emergency services
• support long-term forest health and resilience by enabling the felling of larch diseased larch trees.
• improve safety for walkers, cyclists, and other forest users.

Will there be any disruption?

People visiting the forest should be aware that:

• temporary access restrictions may be in place on certain forest paths and roads
• signage will be clearly displayed, and alternative routes will be provided when required.
• noise and vehicle movement may be noticeable during working hours