Diseased trees in Gwynedd forest to be felled to reduce spread

Infected trees in a Gwynedd forest will be felled to stop the spread of larch disease.

Work managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) starts at at Beddgelert Forest on July 1 and is expected to last for up to six months, covering areas totalling 18 hectares.

It follows an outbreak of phytophthora ramorum, commonly known as larch disease.

A statutory plant health notice has been issued which requires NRW to act within a set period of time to control the disease, which can spread quickly through woodland, killing whole trees.

Kath McNulty, NRW’s team leader for forest operations in north west Wales, said: “To reduce disturbance to wildlife, the areas to be felled have been surveyed and no issues have been found.

“Once the areas of the forest have been felled, they will be re-planted with tree species resilient to the disease to help keep Beddgelert Forest healthy for generations to come.

“Timber from the felled trees will be used for construction, fencing materials, pallet wood and biomass.

“We are asking forest visitors to keep to marked paths, observe all site signage and to keep dogs on a lead during the work and we would also like to thank members of the local community for their co-operation and understanding.”

Restrictions will be put in place meaning there will be no trees felled or removed at weekends and during public holidays.

Members of the public are advised that they may meet timber lorries on forest tracks and on the approaches to the forest while work is carried out.