Local Forest Design Plans

The following item was sent by email. Dee is Community Ranger for the Ebbw District of the Forestry Commission.

For information Coed y Gedrys and Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog are on the lower slopes of Garth Hill either side of Gwaelod-y-Garth.

After Listening to you during a process of public consultation back in March 2005 in Taff’s Well, Coed y Gedrys and Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog now have new Forest Design Plans.

We have taken on board what local people said, as we started to work through our Forest Design planning process to produce the Forestry Commission blueprint for the future of the two woods. What you want from the woods has been balanced with the needs of the woods for conservation, biodiversity, recreation and timber.

The majority of these woodlands will generally be subject to gradual thinning to restore semi-natural ancient woodland, as these woodlands are designated as ‘Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites’ (‘PAWS’ for short). In both cases we will be leaving the broadleaves and encouraging more to grow through natural regeneration; and some planting if there are any problems with the natural regowth of broadleaf trees. So, this will make those of you who said that wanted more broadleaf happy as we start to increase the chances of this over time.

At Coed y Gedrys we shall be starting to take out conifers soon. In terms of Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog, however, due to problems with access we’re not too sure when work will actually start on site; watch local newsletters or web-sites for up-dates.

We’ve taken down trees that were encroaching at the backs of some houses and hedges along the entrance lane have been cut back and will be trimmed every year from now on.

In terms of other issues people were concerned about, we have made a start in addressing them. The improvements you asked for to the entrance to Coed y Gedrys have already happened, opening up the forest roads and putting in new gates for people and horses.

Water problems behind houses will be investigated further in the New Year i.e.when the land is at its wettest.

So the Forestry Commission is listening – and the local area Ebbw Team will carry on listening and trying to make the work in our woods fit in with what you want; any issues you want to discuss, please ask to speak to the Ranger, Dee Ashurst on: 02920 886 863.

With you, the local people and users of FC woodlands talking to us, we can make a real difference to both of these woodlands, not just for peoples’ enjoyment now, but for future generations as well.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation process and I want to say a special ‘On your Bikes!’ to the local young people getting out into the woods on their mountain bikes and getting some exercise; it’s great these woodlands are well used by you all. Please talk to us before you do as in January we will be looking a lot more closely at what is possible locally with the involvement of local people. But please note if you do want to see something positive happen, you have to think about what you can help out with; so get talking to each other and your local community centre. Forestry Commission will not do everything; we need you on board to make it work. Mountain biking is a great sport and we’re all for it !

Meantime, the good news for anyone looking for more extreme cycling we have a cross country trail at Cwmcarn Forest Drive near Crosskeys, with a purpose bult downhill trail. Also, there’s a jump spot at Caerphily in Coed Park Van Woodland on Vann Road too. Play safe, and enjoy !

So, Forestry Commission Progress so far:

• Hedges along the lane to the woodlands have been cut. 

• The entrance to Coed y Gedrys has been made easier, particularly for horses and people with prams or mobility difficulties.

• Conversion to broadleaf woodlands is imminent in terms of clearance of conifers.