Brechfa Forest Resource Plan - Approved 19 December 2024
Location and setting
Brechfa Forest Resource Plan encompasses 5918 Ha across three main blocks:
- Brechfa East is a 3063ha block
- Brechfa West is a 2131ha
- West Carmarthen is a 724ha block.
Brechfa Forest is located predominantly within the Cothi Valley and its western tributaries. The northern fringe of Brechfa West to the north eastern fringe of Brechfa East is dominated by the mountains of Mynydd Llanfihangel-rhos-y-corn, Mynydd Llanllwni, Pen Llwyn-uchel and Mynydd Llanybyther which are surrounded by extensive moor and heathland. This area is common land with no designations.
The woodland is steeped in history and was established by the Forestry Commission as an early South Wales forest. The forest incorporates ancient woodland sites and also includes open hill and agricultural land within the wider extent of the forest. This means there is an opportunity to restore the ancient woodland remnants and create a more biodiverse forest into the future. The forest is acknowledged as a core production forest and this characteristic will be retained while taking the opportunity to convert the Forest Management Systems to Continuous Cover where the opportunity presents itself. A predominance of productive commercial conifers will continue to make up the majority of the forest but this will see a greater development of a mixed species structure with native trees allowed to grow within the conifer blocks to improve the resilience of the forest and improve biodiversity.
Brechfa main blocks have four dedicated parking areas with cycling and walking trails starting from the car park at Abergorlech. The car park at Bergwm is similarly provisioned and a new circular walking route will shortly be available from Gwarallt car park, also known as Keepers, as part of the Brechfa West windfarm development recreation offer. This is in addition to the existing Keepers Lodge route. To the North the Rhos Blaen Gorlech car park is often utilised by equestrian users and the Gorlech trail mountain bike route terminates at this point
Opportunities within Brechfa forest
The proposed Forest Resource Plan has at its core a response to the climate and nature emergencies we are facing currently. The restoration of ancient woodland and development of native riparian woodland over time will not only help lock up carbon but also provide a refuge for many species, both flora and fauna and aquatic and terrestrial. The renewed focus on growing high quality timber and a change to continuous cover forest management systems will also support a high value forest products industry locking up carbon for longer and reducing runoff in extreme weather events.
Timber production
Continue to maintain a sustainable supply of timber production and maximise productive areas through restocking choices and forest management strategies.
Species diversity
Continue to improve resilience of woodland by diversifying restock species where suitable soil conditions are present in order to protect against pests and disease and to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Opportunity exists where Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) larch felling has been completed.
PAWS restoration
Continue with restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to semi-natural woodland state by using broadleaved species planting and LISS (Low Impact Silvicultural Systems) management in highlighted areas of medium to high restoration potential, whilst supporting the diversification of age class and structure of the forest. Continue to improve habitat connectivity of ancient semi-natural woodland through this process.
Protection of SAC and SSSI features
Extend and develop a riparian woodland network to benefit water quality and quantity to ensure minimal impact from forest operations on the Teifi and Tywi SACs. Introduce bespoke management prescriptions to support the cSSSI that has been designated within the Marlais catchment.
Protected species
Work in partnership with the Brechfa West Windfarm ecological steering group to promote the conservation and habitat creation required for the important nightjar population.
Health and wellbeing
Promote access and forest use for locals and visitors for the benefit of mental, physical wellbeing and health in line with the relevant Rights of Way Improvement plans. Maintain the current provision for walking, equestrian, mountain biking and rambling interests.
Habitat connectivity
Continue to support habitat linkage and connectivity in suitable areas alongside riparian zones, forest roads and PROW (Public Rights of Way), using appropriate management methods and native species. This shall be considered from a perspective both within and without of the forest resource (for example connecting hedgerows and ancient woodland remnants).
Heritage features
Identify heritage feature locations and impact zones in order to avoid damage or concealment.
Deer control
Development of deer management infrastructure to combat rising impact on restocking and natural regeneration across Wales.
Aesthetics and landscape
Retain forest character within surrounding landscape and consider visual perception for the benefit of visitors and residents.
Windfarm liaison
Continue to develop management strategies to compliment the energy assets being developed on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE).
Maps
Brechfa East
Brechfa West
Brechfa Outliers
Comments or feedback
If you have any comments or feedback, you can contact the Forest Resource Planning team at frp@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.