Further to our recent update, we are advised that vehicles will now be on site from the morning of Monday 13th February, 2023, to begin work on the Larch Removal Project. 

Felling is likely to start on the same day with hauling starting later the same week or at the beginning of the following week. 

This work is likely to continue for some three to four weeks, so there will be a significant physical presence on site with regular movement of hauled material away from the woods.

As previously stated , appropriate safety measures will be in place, but users of the woodland are advised to exercise caution during this period. 

In addition to the contract personnel , Blaen Bran volunteers will be on site, where possible, to update woodland users , as appropriate.

Further to our previous postings, we now have confirmation that work is due to start on the Larch removal project on Monday, 6th February , 2023.

This means that there will be a significant physical presence within the woodlands , during February and March.

As previously indicated , affected areas will be isolated and contractors will be acting as “banks persons” to ensure that users of the woodlands are kept safe.

There will be appropriate signage to advise people of the restrictions. In addition, where possible, volunteers from Blaen Bran will also be on site to assist users of the woodlands.

In addition to this there will be large plant travelling to and from the woodland via Upper Cwmbran Road, The Bus Terminus and The Square, and there will at times be regular large lorry movements in and out via the same route.

We apologise, in advance, for the inconvenience this will cause.

We will advise you of further developments as they occur, but if you have any questions , please contact us at enquiries@blaenbran.wales

NOTICE.

In line with BBCW’s Larch removal project, notices of public path closures have today been placed at the woodland entrances. We are still waiting for NRW to produce the written permissions for the project to start and should have an update at the beginning of next week.

However, we believe the project will probably begin in January. 

FOR NOW, ALL PATHS REMAIN OPEN FOR USE.

BBCW Committee.

If you are interested in finding out about some of the fungi growing within the woodland come along and join us for a free guided tour.

Celebration of Nature and Trees

A guided walk in Blaen Bran on Thurs 29th Sept as part of Big Green week, meeting in lower car park at 10am.

The walk will be no more than two hours, and participants should wear boots/stout shoes and bring waterproofs in case of showers.

Dear Member

You are invited to the Blaen Bran Community Woodland Annual General Meeting.

To be held on Monday 4^th July, 2022 at 7pm,

in the Ebenezer Chapel, Upper Cwmbran.

(31 The Square, Upper Cwmbran, Cwmbran NP44 5AQ)

A significant number of Larch Trees within the woodland are affected by the disease Phytophthora Ramorum. This means that in due course, the trees will die and become unsecure, before finally falling.

Many of these trees are as much as 80 feet high and will present a significant risk to users of the woodlands.

To manage the risk, the Committee has put arrangements in place for the trees to be felled, removed and the ground mulched between July and September, with a replacement planting programme of locally sourced, indigenous broadleaf trees, to preserve the character of the woodland, taking place in November and possibly December.

A smaller number of other trees will be involved in this exercise, but all efforts will be made to minimise the impact.

This means that there will be periods of time, during this exercise, when access to the woodland will be restricted. Notices will be placed around the woodland, detailing the nature of the restrictions.

There will also be Blaen Bran volunteers on site to advise walkers of the restriction in place and of the routes still available, during this period.

We felt it was important for you to be made aware of this work at the earliest opportunity and to reassure you that all efforts will be made to minimise the level of disruption.

As more details emerge, we will provide regular updates on our website and Facebook group.