AROUND 200 trees infected with Ash dieback are to be removed from a Welsh woodlands. 

Work in Cenarth Forest, near Newport, is already underway and is expected to last at least six months, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officials overseeing the project. 

NRW will also take steps to improve the car park, picnic area, walking routes and upgrade the existing forest road for visitors.

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Phil Morgan, land management team leader, NRW, said: “Ensuring the safety of visitors to our sites is our main priority. Given the impact ash dieback has on the structural integrity of trees, the removal of the diseased trees is essential.

“Tree felling operations take a significant amount of time and, as such, the forest will need to be closed to visitors for approximately six months.

“There is clear signage throughout the forest to warn visitors of the felling operations and I urge people to adhere to this guidance for their safety and that of our contractors.”

The woodland will remain closed for safety during the duration of the work. Signs notifying visitors of closures and diversions are in place on-site.

Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees, caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.

The fungus attaches itself to the leaves of ash trees and spreads through to the branches, causing the tree to die.

Dead branches and entire dead trees can become very brittle and fall, posing a serious risk to the public.