THE TRAILS at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Aberystwyth, have now reopened as the second phase of tree felling moves past the half way mark.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is felling up to 20,000 trees near the popular visitor centre to slow the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, a disease which is attacking larch trees.
The visitor centre, also run by NRW, provides places to go running; walking; mountain biking; orienteering; and horse-riding.
Gareth Owen, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre Manager said: “Bwlch Nant yr Arian has a special place in the hearts of local people and visitors and I want to thank them for their patience during this time.
“We’ve worked hard to make sure that parts of the forest have always been open for people to enjoy, but we couldn’t avoid closing some of our trails while the work took place.”
NRW has already replanted around 12,000 native trees at Bwlch Nant yr Arian since the last phase of major tree felling in 2013.
The area will continue to be replanted with a mix of species including Douglas fir, Western red cedar and native broadleaf.
Gareth said: “The tree felling will now continue in the valley below the car park area, so this will not affect the visitor centre or the trails.”
The felled timber is being sent to local sawmills to produce timber for the construction industry.
Any money made will be reinvested into the Welsh Government’s Woodland Estate.
As part of the #Keepitclean campaign NRW asks all visitors to help stop the spread of Phytophthora ramorum by washing boots, and equipment such as bikes, before visiting woodland again.
Sticks or foliage should be left in the woods and any fallen needles should be brushed from cars before leaving the woodland.
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