Fochriw forest operations

Overview

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What work will take place?

Forest operations near Fochriw village in the Darren Valley, Caerphilly, are due to begin in Autumn 2026 and will take about six months to complete.

We're felling Sitka Spruce trees as part of the ongoing management of the forest to comply with the UK Forestry Standard and the Woodlands for Wales strategy.

The trees are starting to become unstable due to their age and height and this operation will improve the resilience of the forest in the long term.

Access and Footpath Closures

Public Rights of Way may be 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.

Map showing affected area

Why do we clearfell trees?

Once an area of trees has matured to a certain size, if they are in an exposed location and have not been thinned, such as this stand at Fochriw, they can become unstable and have the potential to fall over.

This operation will provide benefits to the Welsh economy through the sale of the timber, and allow the opportunity to restock the area to start the cycle again, locking up carbon as the trees grow, and creating a forest habitat.

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

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