Carmarthenshire Forests - Storm Darragh Recovery

Overview

PIC CAPTION: Storm Darragh damage at Tower, Brechfa Forest

We’re continuing efforts to clear fallen trees and debris to assess the full extent of the damage caused by Storm Darragh.

Current situation

The damage across the land that we manage across south west Wales is extensive, with vast areas of forestry significantly impacted by the high winds.

The safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority. While assessments and recovery operations are underway, we ask that you avoid visiting our forests and reserves in Carmarthenshire.

The risk of falling trees or branches remains high, and contractors are operating heavy machinery in many areas, further increasing potential hazards. We may also close our car parks and other visitor facilities at short notice whilst we undertake our recovery work.

Emergency response highlights

In the immediate aftermath of the storm and leading up to Christmas, we prioritised critical tree management tasks, including:

• Clearing forest roads to ensure access for residents.
• Supporting farmers in accessing their land and livestock to meet animal welfare needs.
• Enabling access to emergency and communications masts and to allow National Grid to restore power.
• Ensuring access to windfarms on managed land.

Ongoing work

We are making progress clearing forest roads to regain access to key areas. Early assessments indicate significant damage to recreational sites, trails, and car parks.

• Recreational sites: Damage is being evaluated, and work plans are being developed to manage fallen trees, estimate costs, and determine timelines.
• Forest road network: Clearance work is ongoing, with some areas expected to reopen soon for road access only.

Mountain biking and walking trails will remain closed until all damage is cleared and safety checks are completed.

Work has started to clear trees on the all ability trail at Cwm Rhaeadr and the lower section of the mountain bike trail. We are hopeful to reopen parts of Cwm Rhaeadr in the coming weeks and will let you know when this is the case.

Accessible sites:-

• Brechfa Forest, Gwarallt Car Park is open with the walking trail accessible Keepers Car Park is open for access along the Forest Roads only. The walking trails remain inaccessible.
• Crychan Forest Car Parks (Brynffo, Cefn farm and Esgair Fwyog) are open providing access along forest roads only. All walking trails remain inaccessible.  
• Halfway Car Park is open, providing access along forest roads only. All walking trails remain inaccessible. 
• Pembrey and Penybedd Forest is open and accessible.

Looking ahead

We’ll provide regular updates as work progresses. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to restore our woodlands.

How you can help

Until further notice, please avoid accessing our forests other than the accessible sites listed above.

To report any new incidents, please report them via our incident hotline on 0300 065 3000 or via our incident reporting form.

PIC CAPTION: Fallen trees following Storm Darragh at Llandovery Forest