Forestry Commission Wales is beginning work to give two Carmarthenshire forests more breathing space and make them more attractive places to visit.
The Commission is thinning selected areas of Pembrey and Penybedd forests by removing trees from some areas, providing more space and light for wildlife and allowing native trees to regenerate.
As well as helping the remaining trees to grow, the work will also improve the health of the forests by combating the disease known as red band needle blight, which has infected some of the trees.
Forestry Commission Wales Community Ranger Jonathan Price said, “This important work is part of our ongoing management of these forests for the benefit of all users and to improve the forest environment for the future.
“This is part of the first year of a programme that will run over the next five to 10 years at Pembrey and Penybedd, which are home to many migrant songbirds as well as birds of prey, including the sparrowhawk and goshawk.”
Pembrey and Penybedd, which cover 1,200 hectares, make up some of Britain's sand dune forests, which are unusual and have become of great interest to naturalists. Pembrey also forms part of a Special Site of Scientific Interest.
Jonathan added, “We apologise for any inconvenience, but we will keep locals informed while the work is going on through signs in those small areas where access will be temporarily restricted.”
Caption: Pembrey forest, where trees will be thinned to improve biodiversity.
NOTES TO EDITORS
A total of 14.3 per cent of Wales is covered by woodlands. Of this, 38% (126,000 hectares/311,000 acres) is owned by the Welsh Government.
Forestry Commission Wales is the Welsh Government’s department of forestry and manages these woodlands on its behalf.
For more information on work at Pembrey and Penybedd, contact Jonathan Price on 0300 0680213, mobile 07789 922748, email jonathan.price@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
More information on the woodlands of Wales is available on www.forestry.gov.uk/wales
Visit News at FCWales for news, images, press office contact details and links to case studies.
Press office contact: Clive Davies on 0300 068 0061, mobile 07788 190922, email clive.davies@forestry.gsi.gov.uk