Community drop-in sessions offered ahead of forestry operations in Monmouthshire

Communities surrounding the Northern and Southern Wye woodlands in Monmouthshire, are being invited to find out more about how the sites are managed at two Natural Resources Wales (NRW) drop in events in June.

The Northern Wye woodlands include Beacon Hill, Whitestone and Wenallt woods and the Southern woodlands include Chepstow Park, Fedw and Great Barnets.

The drop in events will be held on 15 and 16 June and will include information on the felling operations taking place to remove approximately 133 ha of trees that have been infected with larch disease.

They will also share information about NRW’s work to tackle Himalayan Balsam, an invasive non-native species which out competes native plants that are more desirable for pollinating invertebrate such as bees and butterflies.

Staff will also be available to talk to residents about the Wye Valley Forest Resource Plans, which set out the future vision for the woodland and answer any questions they may have.

Jim Hepburn, Forest Operations Team Leader from NRW said:

Our forests and woodlands provide people with safe, open spaces for recreation, allowing people to connect with nature and improve their well-being, as well as enhancing our environment and biodiversity.

We’re keen to engage with our partners and local residents to better understand the challenges and opportunities that our forestry and land management operations in the Wye valley present for our neighbours and communities.

We want to make sure people are aware of our planned work, understand why it’s happening and how it might impact them. We would encourage people to come along to the drop-in sessions in June and take the opportunity to ask our staff any questions they may have.

The drop in event for the Southern Wye woodland will be held on Wednesday 15 June at The Hood Memorial Hall (Devauden) between 2:00pm – 7:00pm.

The drop-in event for the Northern Wye woodland will be held on Thursday 16 June at The Narth Village Hall between 2:00pm – 7:00pm.

For more information about NRWs forestry and land management work in the Northern and Southern Wye woodlands please visit:Upcoming forestry and land management work, Northern and Southern Wye woodlands, Monmouthshire - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space (cyfoethnaturiol.cymru)