Gower and Penllergaer Forest Resource Plan

Location and setting

The Gower and Penllergaer Forest Resource Plan covers 465 Ha and is made up of Parkwood, Millwood and Penllergaer. Parkwood and Millwood are located on the Gower Peninsular, just off the A4118. Penllergaer is further NE and is located at junction 47 of the M4 motorway, adjacent to the motorway services.

Most of the woodlands are classified as Plantations on Ancient Woodlands (PAWs) or Ancient Semi Natural Woodlands (ASNW) and will be restored to native broadleaf species.

Parkwood contains a large area of SSSI Ash Woodland which currently under threat from Chalara Dieback of Ash. The disease is now endemic across Wales and the current predictions from Forest Research are that between 80% and 95% will probably die. Measures are being taken to remove trees that pose a risk to Health and Safety and preserve those that show signs of resistance.

Summary of objectives

Manage the decline of Ash infected with Chalara fraxinea:
- Remove dangerous trees and take the opportunity to harvest timber before it degrades
- Potentially resistant specimens should be selected and retained
- Deadwood reserves should be retained in inaccessible areas
- Consider suitable species replacements to ensure the maintenance of Ash’s position
- Conserve SAC features to assist SAC management
Ensure that interventions take place to enable PAWs restoration.
Maintain a timber supply to satisfy the land service plan and support and maintain current infrastructure and management.
Continue to improve the status of the AWI woodlands and manage invasive species such as Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron, which pose a threat to the Native Woodland present.
Continue to work in partnership with local wildlife groups to monitor species presents in these ecologically rich woodlands.
Continue to facilitate events in the forest.
Continue to monitor anti-social behaviour in Penllergaer Forest and work with the Police accordingly.
Maintain forest roads and promoted trails, including verge management to maintain access for forest management, public access and biodiversity.