Four hectares of trees will be harvested at a forest near Blaenau Ffestiniog following storm damage.

The trees, forming part of Gwydir Forest, will be clear-felled during four months of work by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in an operation that started on November 28.

Extensive storm damage over the past two years has left many trees in a dangerous condition, necessitating their removal to ensure public safety and protect the A470 road.

Temporary traffic lights will be installed on a section of the A470 leading up to the Crimea Pass, between Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog, for three weeks to facilitate the safe felling of trees close to the main road.

Kath McNulty, NRW’s team leader for forest operations in North West Wales, said: "The trees have reached maturity and will be removed.

"Timber from the felled trees will be used for construction, fencing materials, pallet wood, and biomass.

"Removing the trees will also improve safety for those using the forest and the A470, as some trees have been damaged by storms in recent years."

The felled area will be replanted with tree species that are more resilient to climate change, ensuring the long-term health of Gwydir Forest.

To minimise disturbance to wildlife, ecologists have surveyed the area to be felled and found no issues.

Ms McNulty added: "We ask forest visitors to keep to marked paths, observe all site signage, and keep dogs on leads during the work.

"We would also like to thank members of the local community for their cooperation and understanding."

The tree felling operation will cause occasional traffic disruption to ensure safe working conditions.

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Residential access will remain open at all times but may experience short delays while timber lorries are being loaded.

The public is urged to bear this in mind when travelling in the area.

If you have any enquiries about the work, contact the North West Wales forest operations team on 0300 065 3735 or email ForestOperationsNorthWest@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.

 

 

 

Four hectares of trees will be harvested at a forest near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Trees that form part of Gwydir Forest will be clear-felled during four months of work managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which started on November 28.

Extensive storm damage in the area over the past two years has damaged a number of trees, and they will be removed to prevent danger to the public and the nearby A470.

Temporary traffic lights will be active on a section of the A470 leading up to the Crimea Pass, between Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog, for a period of three weeks.

This is to allow the felling of the trees nearest the main road to take place safely.

Kath McNulty, NRW’s Team Leader for Forest Operations in North West Wales, said:

“The trees have reached maturity and will be removed. Timber from the felled trees will be used for construction, fencing materials, pallet wood, and biomass.

“Removing the trees will also improve safety for those using the forest and the A470, as some trees have been damaged by storms in recent years.

“The area will be replanted with tree species that are more resilient to climate change, helping to keep Gwydir Forest healthy for generations to come.

“To minimise disturbance to wildlife, the area to be felled has been surveyed by ecologists, and no issues have been found.

“We ask forest visitors to keep to marked paths, observe all site signage, and keep dogs on leads during the work.

“We would also like to thank members of the local community for their cooperation and understanding.”

During the works, there will be occasional traffic disruption to ensure felling can be carried out safely.

Residential access will remain open at all times but may be subject to short delays while timber lorries are being loaded.

If you have any enquiries, please contact the North West Wales Forest Operations Team on 0300 065 3735 or email ForestOperationsNorthWest@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk