Garw and Ogmore Vale Forest Resource Plan - Approved 3 August 2022

Location and setting

The Garw and Ogmore Vale Forest Resource Plan is made up of 8 woodlands in Bridgend, covering approximately 1,777 hectares. The setting for of the majority of the woodlands in the north of the plan are exposed uplands with steep valley sides. The woodlands are bordered by open grassland habitat on the uplands with some fields, hedgerows and native woodlands to the south. The woodlands in the south are smaller in size and located on the outskirts of Bridgend.

Summary of objectives

The following management objectives have been agreed in order to maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems, and the benefits they provide:

• Maintain timber production where appropriate. This will provide opportunities to diversify species and structure of the woodlands, which will enhance the sustainability and resilience of the forests, as well as provide economic benefits.
• Diversify the forest species composition to increase resilience to pests and diseases, and the effects of climate change, whilst building a robust forest for future generations. Remove remaining stands of larch and manage ash appropriately for ash die back disease.
• Increase structural diversity through Low Impact Silvicultural management, and natural regeneration, where appropriate.
• Invest in forest infrastructure to provide better access to allow more diverse management prescriptions within the woodlands, carry out regular thinning where possible, remove remaining larch stands, carry out conservation objectives, and provide recreation opportunities.
• Work with partners and other NRW teams to identify and deliver opportunities to connect and enhance priority habitats and protected areas within and adjacent to FRP woodlands to improve resilience and connectivity and prevent negative impacts from management activities. Such as connecting and restoring ancient and native woodland, connecting open habitats and rides, creating varied edge habitats where they adjoin upland heath grassland, and restoring areas of afforested deep peat, and planning for management of suitable habitats for nightjars across the FRP area.
• Work with partners to encourage and increase responsible use and recreation on the WGWE to deliver wellbeing benefits for local communities, user groups and visitors, and to reduce anti-social behaviour, including off-road vehicles, unauthorised mountain bike routes, and fly tipping.
• Welsh Government Woodland Estate management should not contribute to the existing level of flood risk both within the woodlands and anywhere offsite and where possible, measures should be implemented to reduce any potential risk of flooding; both are to be achieved through good forestry practice in accordance with the latest UK Forestry Standard and relevant forestry guidance; and through consultation and engagement with the relevant Lead Local Flood Authority during planning of felling operations. Consider measures to retain water on site for as long as possible, and opportunities for Natural Flood Management where appropriate.
• Welsh Government Woodland Estate management should not cause any reduction of water quality both within on-site water features and watercourse draining off-site through good forestry practice in accordance with the latest UK Forestry Standard and relevant forestry guidance.
• Reduce the risk of wildfires by planning and delivering appropriate fire control measures during and after operations, such as creating and managing fire breaks around restock areas and open areas, working with South Wales Fire Service to plan and implement measures on the estate, and working with neighbours to reduce risks from adjacent land.
• Work with our partners and communities to identify how and where the WGWE can deliver nature-based solutions to improve health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to connect people with nature, and where we can involve communities in its management.
• Being good neighbours - Consult and engage with neighbours, communities, and other stakeholders regarding the management of the WGWE and upcoming operations to improve relationships and knowledge on how and why the estate is managed, reduce conflict, and encourage closer working relationships.
• Secure the WGWE boundary by maintaining and repairing external fencing to prevent encroachment of livestock impacting on crop establishment
• Maintain optimum environmental conditions around Darren Y Dimbaeth SSSI for the benefit of the rare vegetation types and habitats on this site.
• Manage invasive non-native plants and livestock trespass on the WGWE. Engage / work with neighbouring landowners to reduce animal trespass on the estate.  

Maps

Location map
Long-term primary objectives map
Forest management systems map
Indicative forest types and habitats map

Comments or feedback

If you have any comments or feedback, you can contact the Forest Resource Planning team at frp@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk