MEMBERS of the public are being invited to discuss the future of Cwmcarn Forest ahead of a large-scale tree-felling operation.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is inviting people or groups who have concerns about the future of Cwmcarn Forest, and in particular the Forest Drive road, to take part in a workshop at Cwmcarn Institute on Newport Road. It will be held on Wednesday, June 24, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

NRW staff will be on hand to give an overview of current major felling operations in the forest and explore opportunities for the future of the site.

More than 150,000 trees in Cwmcarn Forest are being felled as part of a nationwide strategy to tackle Phytophthora ramorum, a highly infectious and untreatable fungus-like disease which is attacking larch trees.

Despite this extensive felling work, the visitor centre and all other facilities at the site will remain open. But the seven mile-long Forest Drive has been closed since the works were announced.

Staff will also be asking the local community what they would like to see in the forest and discuss how best they can work together to integrate local ideas into future plans.

Andy Schofield, regional land manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “We have arranged this workshop as we understand that many people have questions about our future plans for the Cwmcarn Forest Drive.

“We know the site and its Forest Drive road has a special place in the hearts of local people and visitors. Attending this workshop will allow local people an opportunity to have their say and help shape the future of their forest. We will be holding a drop-in session at the Cwmcarn Visitor Centre on July 5 for anyone who is unable to attend the workshop.”

As numbers are limited, people are asked to confirm their attendance by emailing cwmcarn@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk or calling 0300 065 3603 and leaving their name and contact details.