Coed y Gedrys Woodland

Overview

The opportunity exists for the three new state forest agencies to play a defining role in shaping a forest landscape in England, Scotland and Wales that is of a higher quality than at any time during the previous two or three millennia – with implications for Britain, Europe and, through example, for the whole world. Careful stewardship and continuing timber sales can help to fund this process. But they cannot supply all the necessary resources, particularly in the current economic conditions, and the agencies need to be seen as more than just a commercial enterprise. They need a clear political mandate, more and differently trained staff, more funding and more land (or access to land through partnership agreements). A major period of change has started; it now needs the political backing and resources to complete the process. An investment comparable to that made, with popular acclaim, in the Tate Modern Gallery could transform the forested landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales.

The following article is from 'Community Link: Pentyrch Community Council, Spring 2006'. It introduces the concept of Forest Design Plans which in this case would turn the Coed y Gedrys forestry plantation into a ‘community woodland’.

"After Listening to you during a process of public consultation back in March 2005 in Taff’s Well, Coed y Gedrys and Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog now have new Forest Design Plans. We have taken on board what local people said, as we started to work through our Forest Design planning process to produce the Forestry Commission blueprint for the future of the two woods. What you want from the woods has been balanced with the needs of the woods for conservation, biodiversity, recreation and timber.

The majority of these woodlands will generally be subject to gradual thinning to restore seminatural ancient woodland, as these woodlands are designated as ‘Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites’ (‘PAWS’ for short). In both cases we will be leaving the broadleaves and encouraging more to grow through natural regeneration; and some planting if there are any problems with the natural regrowth of broadleaf trees. So, this will make those of you who said that you wanted more broadleaf happy as we start to increase the chances of this over time.

At Coed y Gedrys we shall be starting to take out conifers soon. In Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog, however, due to problems with access we’re not sure when work will actually start on site.

We’ve taken down trees that were encroaching at the backs of some houses and hedges along the entrance lane have been cut back and will be trimmed every year from now on.

In terms of other issues people were concerned about, we have made a start in addressing them. The improvements you asked for to the entrance to Coed y Gedrys have already happened, opening up the forest roads and putting in new gates for people and horses. Water problems behind houses will be investigated further in the New Year i.e.when the land is at its wettest.

So the Forestry Commission is listening and the local area Ebbw Team will carry on trying to make the work in our woods fit in with what you and our other partners want.

Should you have any issues you want to discuss, please ask to speak to the Ranger, Dee Ashurst on: 02920 886 863 or e.mail her @dee.ashurst@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

With local people and users of FC woodlands talking to us, we can make a real difference to both of these woodlands, not just for peoples’ enjoyment now, but for future generations as well.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation process and I want to say a special ‘On your Bikes!’ to the local young people getting out into the woods on their mountain bikes and getting some exercise; it’s great these woodlands are well used by you all. Please talk to us before you do as in January we will be looking a lot more closely at what is possible locally with the involvement of local people…. But please note if you do want to see something positive happen, you have to think about what you can help out with; so get talking to each other and your local community centre. Forestry Commission will not do everything; we need you on board to make it work. Mountain biking is a great sport and we’re all for it !

Meantime, the good news for anyone looking for more extreme cycling we have a cross country trail at Cwmcarn Forest Drive near Crosskeys, with a purpose bult downhill trail. Also, there’s a jump spot at Caerphily in Coed Park Van Woodland on Vann Road too. Play safe, and enjoy !

So, Forestry Commission Progress so far… Hedges along the lane to the woodlands have been cut. The entrance to Coed y Gedrys has been made easier, particularly for horses and people with prams or mobility difficulties. Conversion to broadleaf woodlands is imminent in terms of clearance of conifers".

Forestry Commission Wales, Graig
Llan, Rudry. 02920 886863.

http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/W_WR_Web.pdf

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mediafile/100160196/FRI-research.pdf

http://www.wwf.org.uk/filelibrary/pdf/forest_renaissance_04.pdf

Copy and paste the following two URLS into your browser.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/EnglishWfWstrategy.pdf/$FILE/EnglishWfWstrategy.pdf

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/WoodlandforWalesActionPlan2012.pdf/$FILE/WoodlandforWalesActionPlan2012.pdf

Wales: Cultural Ecology Map 1
updated 07/2014 by Resilience Wales