New ten-year plan aimed at restoring woodland announced

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is asking residents for their say ahead of a project aimed at restoring ancient woodlands in Cwmcarn.

NRW, which manages the Welsh Government’s woodland estate across Wales, has developed a ‘ten-year management plan’ for nine woodlands within the Cwmcarn Forest area.

The draft plan focusses on restoring ancient woodland, planting more native broadleaved trees, boosting biodiversity and habitat connectivity, and improving climate resilience, water quality, and recreational and wellbeing opportunities.

Made up of more than 1,900 hectares – 1,690 of which are within Caerphilly County Borough – most of these forests extend along the Lower Sirhowy Valley.

There are also two forest blocks in Machen and Llanbradach, in the neighbouring Rhymney Valley.

Laura McLoughlin, senior forest resource planning officer for NRW, said: “Our forests offer so many benefits to the natural environment and to our communities.

“They help us in the fight against the climate and nature emergencies, provide good quality timber for us to use, and wonderful places for us all to spend time in and enjoy.

“We know how valued our forests are, and we want to make sure the people who use them have the opportunity to have a say about how they are managed in the future.”

NRW will hold a public drop-in session on Monday June 23 at Wattsville Clubhouse between 11:30am and 6:30pm for those who wish to learn more, ask questions, and speak directly with NRW officers.

You can also read about the proposal and leave feedback via NRW’s online consultation form.

The consultation is open until Wednesday July 16.

Anyone wishing to get involved but is unable to view the proposals online can call 03000 65 3000 or email frp@naturalresources.wales