Information on forest operations at Coed Cilonydd

Overview

Update 20/03/23

Currently, our planned felling operations to remove Larch trees that are infected with Phytophthora ramorum from the Coed Cilonydd woodland remain on hold.

Whilst we are pleased to be able say that the previous economic challenges we faced within the timber market have now settled, we have now entered bird breeding season (March – August) and are unable to work the site, due to the risk of disturbing nesting birds.

Work is scheduled to begin in August once the birds have fledged and left their nests.

Find out more about how we protect wild birds during forestry operations

We need to undertake felling operations at Coed Cilonydd woodland near Abercarn,to remove larch trees which are infected with Phytophthora ramorum (more commonly known as larch disease).

At the moment, the felling operation has been put on hold, due to some economic challenges in the timber market.

We want to reassure that we remain in close contact with our contractors and purchasers, and our working hard to resolve these issues. Operations will commence as soon as possible.

We will share updates via this project page and our south east social media channels @CyfNatDD

Map showing affected area at Coed Cilonydd

What is larch disease?

Larch disease, or Phytophthora ramorum, is a fungus-like disease which can cause extensive damage and mortality to a wide range of trees and other plants. Larch disease spreads through airborne spores from tree to tree. It poses no threat to human or animal health. 

Whilst we cannot stop the spread of larch disease, we can take action to slow it down.

Find out more about our approach to tackling larch disease and Ash Dieback 

Replanting

Once all the diseased larch has been removed, we plan to replant trees in the affected areas. This will include a diverse mix of species to help ensure our woodlands are more resilient to pests and disease in the future.

Woodland access

It is likely that we will have to close off public access to some areas of the woodland while the work takes place. Live harvesting sites are incredibly dangerous, and this is necessary to protect the safety of our staff, our contractors, and visitors to the woodland.

Please adhere to closures and diversion notices when they are in place.

Watch our video about staying safe in our forests

Timber haulage

Haulage vehicles will need to regularly access  the woodlands to remove harvested timber from the site between 07:30 to 18:00.

Timber haulage will continue until all renaming timber is removed from site.

Proceeds from selling the timber

Even timber from diseased larch can still be processed and used. After processing it can be used for a number of wood products including building materials, pallets, fencing and wood fuel pellets.
 

All income from timber sales goes towards the operating costs that we incur through managing the Welsh Government woodland estate. Our costs exceed the revenue generated by timber sales so we also receive additional financial support from Welsh Government. This enables us to continue to provide many free facilities throughout Wales for the benefit of local communities and visitors.