Forestry Commission Wales has unveiled plans to transform Newborough Forest on Anglesey into a major asset to the island’s economy.
Exciting plans to develop a range of recreational facilities in the popular forest were drawn up following lengthy discussions with local residents and other key organisations.
The £600,000 development, designed to bring jobs and prosperity to the area, includes a catering and beach goods retail outlet, a bike hire facility and the creation of a pony trekking business.
The stunning scenery has already made the forest and beach a favourite destination for many visitors, but it’s hoped the plans to improve existing facilities and create new trails will put the area firmly on the “staycation” holiday map.
The proposals, submitted to the Anglesey council planning authority, include:
- a new reception area to help visitors get the most out of their stay
- 0.7 km of all-ability paths, including a boardwalk over the dunes to a platform that takes in the view over Ynys Llanddwyn, the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia
- 17.7 km of family-graded cycle routes that can also be used by robust motorised mobility scooters
- 29.6 km of waymarked horse riding routes
- 4.3km of improved walking routes, and
- 4 km of new walking routes, supported by interpretation and information panels
- a barbecue and picnic area
- upgraded toilets and shower facilities for washing off sand before heading home.
FC Wales local area manager Tim Gordon-Roberts said, “We aim to provide top quality facilities that demonstrate the importance of the area for wildlife and the community, encouraging visitors to come back, stay longer and spend more on the island.
“The proposal will provide at least five days’ worth of all-weather, outdoor family-based recreation opportunities across the forest, beach, warren and the iconic Ynys Llanddwyn and – by managing the use of the forest better – will reduce pressure on sensitive wildlife sites.”
The proposal has received funding from the Communities and Nature Fund, run by the Countryside Council for Wales, and from the Welsh Government’s Mon a Menai Regeneration Programme.
The proposal forms part of FC Wales’s management plan for the Welsh Government forest, which is Special Area of Conservation – Europe’s highest conservation designation – because of the rare fauna and flora in the area.
Tim said, “One of the things we want to do is to work with the community to try to manage better how people use this beautiful, highly sensitive area.
“The site struggles to cope with current visitor numbers. On busy days we have to close the main car park when it’s full, which creates a backlog of traffic into the village, resulting in visitors being turned away and residents feeling frustrated.”
Under the plans the main car park capacity will be extended by 100 spaces, including 27 disabled bays, and the local residents’ car park will be re-located to ensure that spaces are available to the community, even on the busiest days.
It’s also hoped to set up a volunteer group involving residents committed to looking after the site and carrying out various tasks, and a wardening scheme.
The majority of the development will take place within the existing footprint of the site’s infrastructure to minimise the impact on the sensitive environment.
