EXTENSIVE felling will soon begin to remove around 133 hectares of Phytophthora ramorum-infected trees in Wales. 

Natural Resource Wales (NRW) chiefs say the Wye Valley project will last for "a number of years", with operations due to take place in the Manor wood, Beacon Hill, Whitestone and The Fedw woodlands. 

Work will also soon be underway to remove a large number of ash trees from the area that have become infected with Ash Dieback. 

READ MORE: Diseased trees covering '32 football pitches' to be felled in Wales

A NRW statement read: "Some standing dead wood and lying deadwood will be left on site to provide important habitats for wildlife such as birds, bats and saproxylic invertebrates.

"Timber from diseased larch and ash trees can still be processed and used for a number of wood products including building materials, pallets, fencing and wood fuel pellets.

"Please note that we will not be eradicating ash from our woodlands altogether and there will be many ash trees in our forests that will remain and be closely monitored by our teams for disease resistance."

NRW officials say they will monitor the felled sites for five years for "signs of natural regeneration". Where this doesn't take place, they will replant with a mixture of species. 

With thinning work already underway in the valley, the statement continued: "It is likely that we will have to close off public access to some areas of forestry whilst operations are taking place, to allow the work to be undertaken quickly and safely.

"Whilst we do not like to close off access to our forests, which are enjoyed by many, live harvesting sites are incredibly dangerous, and this is necessary to protect the safety of our staff, our contractors, and visitors to the woodland."

Two drop-in events will take place ahead of the start of the work to give locals a chance to speak to NRW teams and ask any questions they might have.

These will take place at the following: 

  • Wednesday, June 15, 2pm–7pm at The Hood Memorial Hall (Devauden)
  • Thursday, June 16, 2pm-7pm at The Narth Village Hall