Warning of A470 'disruption' as storm-damaged trees felled

Part of a popular Eryri forest is being felled because its storm-damaged trees pose a danger to passing A470 drivers. Walkers accessing the southern end of Gwydir Forest are also at risk from toppling trees, said Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Almost 10 acres are being clear-felled from the forest between Dolwyddelan and Blaenau Ffestiniog. This will involve three weeks of temporary traffic lights on an A470 section leading up to the Crimea Pass.

NRW warned this will cause “occasional traffic disruption”. The environment body said traffic controls were needed to ensure the safe felling of trees nearest the road. Residential access will remain open but there may be "short delays" while timber lorries are loaded.

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Walkers can continue using Gwydir Forest but they are asked to stick to main paths and keep dogs on leads. Kath McNulty, NRW’s forest operations leader in North West Wales, said storm damage over the past two years had caused extensive damage in the forest.

She said clear-felling began on Thursday, November 28. She added: “Removing the trees will improve safety for those using the forest and the A470. The trees have reached maturity and their timber will be used for construction, fencing materials, pallet wood, and biomass.

“The area will be replanted with tree species that are more resilient to climate change, helping to keep Gwydir Forest healthy for generations to come. To minimise disturbance to wildlife, the area to be felled has been surveyed by ecologists, and no issues have been found.

“We ask forest visitors to keep to marked paths, observe all site signage and keep dogs on leads during the work. We would also like to thank members of the local community for their cooperation and understanding.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

Bethesda felling operation

A larger area of clear-felling is also taking place in another Eryri (Snowdonia) forest. Some 25 acres of larch trees are being removed from Parc y Bwlch, near Bethesda.

The two-month operation, between late November and late January 2025, is focussing on the north west corner of the forest. It’s designed to combat the threat of the deadly Ramorum mould which is devastating large area of mainly larch woodland in Wales and beyond.

The harvesting has been timed to avoid red squirrel breeding and most bird nesting seasons. NRW said contractors are employing “directional felling” to enable any wildlife to retreat to nearby trees.

Ms McNulty said: “This work will include larch trees at Parc y Bwlch which have reached a good size for harvesting. Sadly in Wales, larch trees are susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, a fungal disease that kills them and the disease is spreading rapidly.

"Harvesting the trees before they become infected helps slow the spread. When replanting, larch will no longer be used." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

The haulage route will be along Lon y Grug, over the Bwlch towards Rhiwen and onto the A4244. Felled timber will continue to be removed from the site until the end of April if needed. Some of the harvested trees will be made available for sale to local community groups.

The forest, including footpaths, will remain open to visitors, who are asked to follow all signage and staff instructions. For more details about the felling operations, contact the northwest Wales forestry team on 0300 0653735 or email ForestOperationsNorthWest@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.

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