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More than 100 hectares of woodland will be cut down across Caerphilly County Borough this year in order to stop the spread of a tree disease.

Work to fell the trees is set to begin next month, with 23 hectares of woodland set to be cleared near Llanbradach, while 22 hectares will be will be cut down at West End, near Crosskeys and Pontywaun.

Later this year, a further 57 hectares of woodland will be cleared at the Wyllie forest near Cwmfelinfach.

In total, 102 hectares of woodland will be cut down – roughly the size of 102 rugby fields.

The trees have been infected with Phytophthora ramorum, which is more commonly known as larch disease. This previously affected Cwmcarn Forest Drive, which is set to reopen in June having been closed since 2014.

Felling in Llanbradach and West End is expected to continue until February 2022, with work at the Wyllie set to continue until December 2023.

Jim Hepburn, of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) – which is behind the plans – said: “Unfortunately, south Wales has dense populations of larch trees, so has been particularly badly affected by the disease and the necessary felling in recent years.

“During the pandemic people have relied on our woodlands more than ever for exercise and for their mental wellbeing. As we prepare to undertake this essential operation, we want to make sure people are aware of the planned work, understand why it’s happening and how it might impact them.

“While closing off our woodlands is always a last resort, to allow the work to take place safely and as efficiently as possible, some closures are going to be inevitable. We will of course do everything we can to minimise the disruption to the local community.”

In a statement posted on its website, NRW said the felling means it is “likely” public access to areas of the forestry will be closed off while work is carried out.

The statement also said: “Haulage vehicles will need to regularly access the woodlands to remove harvested timber from the site.

“For sites which are close to communities, there will be a maximum of eight lorry-loads a day. In built up areas there will also be a further restriction on this activity to hours outside early mornings and evening rush hours.”

NRW has said it will be replanting trees in the affected areas, using a “diverse mix of species to help ensure our woodlands are more resilient to pests and disease in the future”.

The body will be holding virtual meetings on May 25 and May 26 to talk to residents about the tree felling. To book a meeting appointment, email SEForest.operations@naturalresources.wales