Tree removal work in Neath Port Talbot forest to resume after delays

Work to remove a number of trees from a Neath Port Talbot forest is set to re-start this month after what was described as frustrating delays.
Natural Resources Wales says the felling operation intended to remove trees infected with larch disease in Rhyslyn, Afan Forest, is expected to resume “imminently” under a new contractor.
The area is based in the Afan Valley near the village of Pontrhydyfen, and is known across Wales as a hub for outdoor activities such as walking and mountain biking
The work will be needed under the Welsh Government’s Statutory Plant Health Notice, where the removal of infected larch trees is legally required to slow the spread of larch disease.
A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said while the work was expected to begin “imminently” the delays had caused frustrations among the local community and businesses.
They said: “The operation has faced delays due to poor weather conditions, contractor availability, and the expiration of the previous contract.
“These delays have understandably caused frustration among the local community, visitors, and businesses. Felling that has already taken place has damaged forest roads and trails, creating safety hazards with large trees and branches across routes.
“Trails will be reinstated and infrastructure installed once the remainder of the felling is complete. In addition to this large Rhyslyn operation, several smaller tree thinning operations are taking place in Rhyslyn and other areas of the forest. Their impact on recreation is minimal.”
Phil Morgan, who is the team leader land manager of Natural Resources Wales added: “We appreciate the community’s patience during this challenging time. Our priority is to complete the work safely and efficiently, ensuring the forest can be enjoyed by everyone once again.
“Visitors are urged to adhere to all diversions and closures for safety and to prevent delays in reopening trails. Ignoring these can halt contractor work and delay trail reinstatement.”
It was also noted by the organisation that while waiting for the new contract, forest road upgrades had been made in the area, with the footbridge from the Afan Visitor Centre to The River and Railway walk being re-opened. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​