THE felling of 160,000 larch trees around the Cwmcarn Forest Drive is very sad.

Initially planted to provide timber to be used in mines as pit props, the trees have succumbed to a fungus that is killing larch trees across the UK, and are having to be removed in an attempt to control its spread.

The closure of the Drive while the work is carried out has been a real loss for its many visitors. I’ve enjoyed the drive for the last 40 years, I regularly used to take my dog for walks on the trails and have missed doing so since it closed.

The Drive is a unique attraction, has been named one of the top ten free tourist attractions in Wales, and attracted visitors from all over the country.

There is a lot of concern that the Drive will not be reopened once the felling work is completed. Before its closure, the Drive wasn’t making enough money to cover its costs. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have said that the road will have been damaged by the machinery needed to remove the larch trees and they do not currently have the money in their budget to restore it.

One of the best things about Cwmcarn Forest Drive was the diversity of the people using it. From the sporty and energetic, like mountain bikers and hikers, to families having picnics and people with limited mobility wanting to drive to a beautiful spot for some fresh air and to take in the view. 77% of visitors had children with them. It was lovely to have a shared, public space that everyone could enjoy in their own way.

The problem is that not everyone makes money for the Drive.

Mountain bikers are a good source of income for NRW, and it has been suggested that developing the trails for cyclists could provide a much needed economic boost. People like me, who enjoy walking our dogs and taking in the scenery, on the other hand, bring in very little money at all. As a result, we may lose our access to the Drive altogether.

Earlier this week I attended a meeting of The Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive, a group of local people who are campaigning to ensure that the Drive is reopened for everyone. I will be supporting their campaign to secure the Drive’s future.

The meeting was encouraging. The group are trying to get all those with a stake in the Drive, like community groups, NRW and Caerphilly Council, to work together. I hope that a solution can be found so that, once again, we can all enjoy our wonderful natural heritage.

If you are interested in finding out more about the campaign, visit the Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive Facebook Group.