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Environmental body Natural Resources Wales wasn’t horsing around when it needed to tread carefully while working to restore ancient woodland near Risca.

Instead of using heavy machinery at Coed Mawr, NRW turned to a traditional method of horse logging to remove large western hemlock trees.

Contractors Rowan Working Horses carried out the work using a team of two horses and three handlers.

NRW said horses can work in sensitive areas such as Coed Fawr with minimal ground disturbance, helping to protect the woodland’s soils and ecosystems.

Removing the trees allows more light to reach the forest floor, encouraging a greater diversity of plants and wildlife and supporting the long-term goal of restoring the site to broadleaf woodland.

Rosalind Watkins, Senior Land Management Officer for NRW, said: “Horse logging has been around for thousands of years and is still a viable and sustainable method of extracting timber in modern day forest operations.

“It allows us to carry out essential woodland management without causing the damage that heavy machinery can sometimes create, which is perfectly suited to sensitive sites like Coed Mawr.

“The horses are helping to restore the woodland to its natural state, creating a healthier habitat for wildlife and future generations.”

It’s not the first time NRW has used horses for woodland work. Last year it used the method in Forest Fawr near Tongwynlais.