Llanwynno Forest Resource Plan - Approved 22 August 2018

Location and setting

Llanwynno forest covers 2,644 hectares and is located to the south of Aberdare and north west of Abercynon in the South Wales Valleys.
It is sub-divided into 3 main areas; St Gwynno North and Castell Nos, St Gwynno South and Pen Parc.

The entire area of Llanwynno forest is within the Rhondda Cynon Taff Local Authority Boundary.

Summary of objectives

The management objectives have been agreed in order to maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems, and the benefits they provide:

• Continue to maintain a sustainable supply of timber production through design of felling and choice of restocking species
  
  
• Diversify the forest species composition to increase resilience to pests and disease whilst building of a robust forest for future generations
  
  
• Increase structural diversity through LISS management where appropriate and consideration of the scale, size and timing of any clearfell avoiding the felling of adjacent coupes. Older conifer crops should be retained where possible to maintain forest structure and productive potential
  
  
• Increase areas identified for thinning within the 5 year thinning plan to enable LISS management and PAWS restoration
  
  
• Use opportunities to locate broadleaved woodland to connect hedgerow habitats and improve resilience
  
  
• Utilise the current road and riparian zone network for the benefit of biodiversity by creating linkages with open habitat
  
  
• Improve habitat connectivity by maintaining and enhancing areas of ancient semi-natural woodland and restoring plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites in line with strategic prioritisation policy. Facilitate native woodland expansion where the main crop of larch has had to be prematurely harvested. Restocking of these areas is a key priority going forward to ensure that there is no resulting net loss in forest cover. There is scope to expand and diversify broadleaf sections of the woodland to assist in habitat provision where possible
  
  
• Continued management and restoration of deep peat areas such as Castell Nos to support carbon, water regulation and biodiversity
  
  
• Maintain and enhance recreational use – in line with the Recreation and Access Management Plan
  
  
• The Darwonno farm also presents a means of formal recreation with the woodlands close to the centre being used for a wide range of activities for various groups. This should be reflected in the FRP through operational programming (thinning plans/management) and the consultation process to support these activities
  
  
• Plan size and timing of felling coupes and restocking to avoid impacts on current and future drinking water supplies Heritage and cultural features to be identified to avoid damage
  
  
• Aim to maintain the setting and access to the church

Location map