Ongoing work to improve woodlands at Pembrey Country Park

Thinning work continues in Pembrey Country Park’s woodlands.
One in three Corsican Pine trees are being thinned to the west of the park, near the conservation pond.
The work is being carried out to improve and strengthen the remaining trees as well as encouraging broadleaf regeneration. 
Thinning will also address red-band needle blight – a fungus, which causes the trees to shed needles and eventually die. More space between trees will help them withstand fungus. Overhanging trees will also be dealt with.
In addition the felling work will allow more light into the pond and its banks and attract native plants which create additional sources of food and shelter for wildlife. Reptiles and bats are regularly seen feeding over the ponds at night. WWI and WWII archaeological remains will also be safeguarded by removing trees which may damage these important remains.
The council’s conservation officer, Simeon Jones said: “Thinning will not only improve the structure of the wood and encourage regeneration of other trees such as holly, birch and alder, but it will ensure the remaining Corsican pines better withstand red band needle blight. It will also improve the woodland to make sure it is healthy and supports a myriad of wildlife from bats to birds and insects to reptiles. The woodlands will feel slightly more open, but the character will not change drastically. These works will help to keep our beautiful woodland healthy, enhance its character and make it more accessible for our walkers.”