Final preparations underway for Cwm Carn Forest Drive reopening

Work to resurface Cwm Carn Forest Drive is underway, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed as the highly anticipated redevelopment takes another step closer to completion.

This final task follows months of work to create eight exciting new recreational areas along the drive.

The stop off points along the seven-mile-long drive will offer something for everyone – from families with little explorers to seasoned ramblers looking for a tranquil spot for a brew with a view.

These include three new play areas, a storytelling area, learning facilities, all-ability trails, and several new seating areas and picnic spots.

The partnership project between NRW and Caerphilly County Borough Council to reopen Cwm Carn Forest Drive has received significant investment and is something which has been greatly anticipated by many.  

It is hoped that the new drive will open for a trial period mid-March with a view to the drive being officially reopened in the Easter holidays 2021.

Geminie Drinkwater, Project Manager from NRW said:

“It has been a tremendous privilege to be able to work on this project and see the ideas and aspirations of many local people and visitors brought into fruition. 

“Cwm Carn Forest is such as important asset to the local community and visitors alike, providing much needed access to green space and stunning countryside views.

“Like so many others I’ve met throughout this project, as a child, I spent many happy days visiting the drive with my family, and I can’t wait to be able to take my own family to Cwm Carn forest and enjoy the drive once again.”

Dav Letellier, NRW Operations Manager, said:

“This has been a challenging project, and we thank the community for their patience with the work within the forest over recent years.

“The first challenge was dealing with the devastating impact of larch disease within the forest, leading to the loss of many thousands of mature larch trees and the temporary closure of the drive.

“Then came the challenge to secure the significant funds required to begin the redevelopment project, followed shortly by the impact of the global pandemic and an unavoidable set back in construction just as the project was getting started.

“So it feels really good to be able to say that we have overcome all these challenges and that completion of the works is within sight. We hope the new-look Cwm Carn Forest Drive will nicely complement the other facilities offered at the site and help secure it as a much-loved visitor attraction for many years to come.”

Cwm Carn forest is also home to four exhilarating mountain bike trails, a visitor centre with café, and camping facilities and a lake for watersports.

Some facilities are currently affected by covid-19 restrictions. Follow @NatResWales and @cwmcarnforest for the latest updates.