Bethesda and Abergwyngregyn Forest Resource Plan - Approved 4 October 2021

Location and setting

The Bethesda and Abergwyngregyn areas are situated in two distinct areas Bethesda block is split in two on opposite sides of the village of Bethesda, Parc Y Bwlch sits to the West of the Village and Braichmelyn to the east, the main access road through Bethesda is the A5 and is the main truck road that access would be gained from.

Abergwyngregyn forest lies to the South East of the village itself and sits among a the popular walking area of Aberfalls, and is accessed just of the A55.

The total area covered is 237Ha, 97Ha in Beddesda and 139Ha in Abergwyngregyn.

The whole forest sits within the Gwynedd Local Planning Authority, and both Braichmelyn and the whole of Abergwyngregyn sit within Snowdonia National Park.

Summary of objectives

Abergwyngregyn

Abergwyngregyn forest blocks will become less of a priority for productive conifer timber and has already started to move towards a predominately broadleaf forest that will enhance the existing broadleaves in the area, improve landscape stability and also bring wellbeing, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and retain existing recreational benefits.
Mixtures of conifer and broadleaf will be expected and tolerated through natural regeneration; however, the conifer element will be targeted at each thinning intervention to favour the broadleaves.
Consideration of native productive broadleaves within the site will be given. Ideally local providence seed will be sourced and grown on at local nurseries for use.

Braichmelyn

Braichmelyn will become less priority for productive conifer timber and will slowly move towards a broadleaf forest that will create a greater stability to the landscape and also bring wellbeing, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and retain existing recreational benefits.
The forest will be allowed to regenerate after coupe felling with a mixture of conifer and broadleaf. Early enrichment after felling may be necessary to achieve recommended stocking densities, recommended species will be Scots Pine, Hazel and Norway Spruce on the lower slopes.
During the next review of the FRP the Yellow clearfell coupe will be split to retain areas of Lodgepole pine to reduce the size of the clearfell and to retain a strong element of pine that will add age and diversity to the upper slopes, and provide local seed source for the area.
Tree species that are currently susceptible to severe pathogen attack will need to be felled for the health of the forest and safety of its users. Larch will no longer be used as a component of the forest species.

Parc y Bwlch

Parc y Bwlch will continue to produce a sustainable supply of timber production through design of felling coupes and choice of restock species to allow productivity through continuous cover forestry (CCF) in future rotations.
Due to similar aged components within Parc y Bwlch, much of the crop is now approaching biological maturity and areas of clearfell are going to be needed to prevent extensive wind blow.
A development of native woodland buffer along the upper side of Parc y Bwlch adjacent to Moel y Ci to minimise natural regeneration of Conifer seedlings that may affect features of the adjacent Eryri SAC.
Opportunities will be taken to soften the coupe edges after felling operations by allowing, regeneration or if needed by enrichment, of broadleaf species for consideration of neighbouring properties. This will also further improve the water management of future rotations.
Tree species that are currently susceptible to severe pathogen attack will need to be felled for the health of the forest and safety of its users. Larch will no longer be used as a component of the forest species.
The preferred timber sales option would be Direct production, this would allow local interests, the opportunity to purchase parcels of roadside timber.

General

In all woodland blocks ensure thinning is done on time will improve the silvicultural management of the forest.
Consideration to providing a more diverse species and age range to improve resilience where possible.
Diversify the forest species composition to increase resilience to pests and diseases whilst building a robust forest for future generations.

Ancient woodland and biodiversity

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.
Thinning of Ancient woodland sites is essential for the maintenance and follows sound silvicultural guidelines.
Where the main crop of conifer has been harvested, facilitation of native woodland expansion. Restocking of these areas is a key priority to ensure that there is no net loss of forest cover.

Water

Development of Riparian corridors will improve the connectivity of the forests to create linkages with other habitats and help to minimise the impact of sediment run off from forestry operations.
Maintenance of culverts and roadside drainage systems to meet current FRM and industry best practice.

Recreation

Maintain and consider additional recreational benefits and minimise where possible disruption to current recreational areas.

Culture and heritage

Identify heritage and cultural features to avoid damage, particularly around identified hotspot areas.
Improvement of communication between NRW and the local public and groups will be improved through groups such as Llais Y Goedwig and Ogwen Partnership.

Maps

Location map

Abergwyngregyn - Long term primary objectives
Abergwyngregyn - Forest management systems
Abergwyngregyn - Indicative forest types

Braichmelyn - Long term primary objectives
Braichmelyn - Forest management systems
Braichmelyn - Indicative forest types

Parc y Bwlch - Long term primary objectives
Parc y Bwlch - Forest management systems
Parc y Bwlch - Indicative forest types

Comments or feedback

If you have any comments or feedback on Forest Resource Planning, you can contact the Forest Resource Planning team at frp@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

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