We look after the trees and woodland on our strategic road network in Wales to make sure they are healthy and don’t pose safety risk for road users. We manage them for road users and for wildlife.
We recently removed a large amount of Western Hemlock along the A470 North of Llanidloes. This species regenerates freely and could become invasive due to its rapid growth. The trees shading capabilities means it was outcompeting the native species growing in the same area. Our route management team had also identified that it was causing visibility and maintenance issues for the road user.
The removal of the Western Hemlock was therefore necessary and provided the opportunity to plant 900 new trees of a native broadleaf species. This area should develop into a native woodland with continued management. This woodland will contain species such as Oak, Hawthorn, Hazel, and Crab Apple. This will be better for local wildlife and will not present the same issues as the old trees.