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When Cwmcarn Forest Drive closed to the public back in November 2014, no-one knew if the popular attraction would ever reopen.

The forest road was closed to fell around 160,000 larch trees diseased with the highly infectious and untreatable Phytophthora ramorum.

Last summer, the drive finally reopened to the public, but Covid restrictions were still in place – meaning an official ceremony to celebrate the reopening had to be delayed.

That ceremony was finally held on Wednesday, July 6.

Representatives from the local community groups, including the Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive, and the Twmbarlwm Society, joined elected officials for a tour of the Drive as part of the ceremony.

Three new Copper Beech trees were planted to mark the event.

The visitor centre and camping facilities at Cwmcarn Forest, located at the bottom of the valley, are owned and operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council with the drive being the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales.

However, a two-year agreement was struck last year so that the council takes on the operational management of the drive. The idea is that the attraction can be operated as one.

Geminie Drinkwater, Senior Land Management Officer for NRW, said: “Cwmcarn is such an important asset and provides a valuable greenspace for both local residents and tourists alike. The last two years has shown us just how important places like this are for our physical and mental wellbeing.

“Today was an opportunity to for us to be able to come together and celebrate everything that has been collectively achieved in redeveloping the Forest Drive and a chance to honour everyone’s efforts, including the substantial investment from Welsh Government and Valleys Regional Park fund.”

She added: “From the beginning of this project, we’ve seen tremendous support and involvement from both individuals and local community groups, who have been fundamental in helping to shape the drive into what you see here today. I’m sure it will be cherished by many people for years to come.”

Caerphilly Council’s Deputy Leader, Jamie Pritchard, said the “largescale investment on the drive” has seen it “totally transformed to become more sustainable and provide an impressive visitor experience”.

Cllr Pritchard, who is the council’s cabinet member for Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change, continued: “The site now boasts a wide range of new and improved facilities including, state-of-the-art accommodation, and an award winning visitor centre all set within a beautiful backdrop.

“This truly demonstrates our commitment to work together with our partners to continue to invest and improve our services now and for future generations.”

Car parking at the drive is £1 for two hours or £3 for a day. To use the drive there is a charge of £8 per car, £4 per motorbike, £15 for minibuses and £30 for coaches.