Crychan Forest Resource Plan - Approved 9 November 2021
Location and setting
Crychan Forest Resource Plan encompasses 2,490ha across two main blocks and several smaller blocks.
- Halfway forest is a 388ha block located just north of the A40 near to the market town of Llandovery. Popular with walkers and cyclists, this block provides conveniently accessed recreation.
- Crychan South adjoins Halfway and spans 1,276ha. Interlaced by a network of trails, footpaths and bridleways, Crychan Main is of high recreational value. The village of Tirabad lies between Crychan North and South.
- Crychan North is a 696ha Sitka spruce block that is very exposed to the wind. Wet soils and exposure combined had led to a high degree of wind blow in this block. This block can be seen from the town of Llanwrtyd Wells in the valley below.
- To the east of Crychan North is a small 80ha block locally known as ‘Maggies’. There has historically been a high degree of wind blow in Maggies, and it is dominated with Sitka spruce.
- The satellite blocks of Allt Neuadd Fach and Allt y Parc lie to the west of Crychan South and cover 10ha and 44ha respectively. Allt Neuadd Fach was a larch block, which has now been felled and Allt y Parc is larch that is due to be felled.
Opportunities within Crychan forest
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 broadleaf planting and LISS 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 Wye SAC. Develop a maintenance strategy for the Crychan Tracks SSSI.
Protected species
Continue management of the forest to favour dormice where present.
Health & Well Being
Promote access and forest use for locals and visitors for the benefit of mental and physical wellbeing and health in line with the relevant Rights of Way Improvement plans.
Habitat Connectivity
Continue to support habitat linkage and connectivity in suitable areas alongside riparian zones, forest roads and PROW, 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
Implementation of deer management infrastructure to combat rising impact on restocking across Wales.
Aesthetics & Landscape
Retain forest character within surrounding landscape and consider visual perception for the benefit of visitors and residents.
Maps
Location map
Long term primary objectives
Forest management systems
Indicative forest types and habitats