Plans submitted to improve parking and facilities at Hafren Forest

Plans to improve parking and visitor facilities at Hafren Forest near Llanidloes have been submitted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in a bid to tackle increasing pressure caused by a surge in visitors.

A planning application is now being considered by Powys County Council for a series of improvements designed to better manage the growing number of people visiting the popular beauty spot, while reducing the impact on nearby communities and the environment.

NRW says visitor numbers have risen significantly in recent years, driven in part by the forest’s growing popularity on social media. While improvements had already been under consideration, the increase in visitors has made the need for upgraded facilities more urgent.

The proposals include expanding the existing car park to provide 40 standard parking spaces and five disabled bays. A new overflow car park would also be created with 111 spaces, including nine disabled bays and five large vehicle spaces.

New public toilets, including accessible facilities and baby changing, are also planned, along with picnic seating areas.

According to NRW, the increase in visitors has led to congestion on local roads, with vehicles parking in unsafe locations and, at times, blocking access for emergency services, residents and forestry workers. The organisation also says there has been damage to footpaths and a significant increase in litter.

Nicola Maysmor, Team Leader for Land Management at NRW, said: “We understand why people want to visit Hafren Forest, but we are also acutely aware that local communities are feeling the impact on roads, their daily lives and the environment. These proposed improvements are not about encouraging more visitors, but about managing the people who are already coming.

“By improving parking and providing basic facilities like toilets, baby changing and picnic spaces, we hope to make visits safer and more respectful. This will help us better manage visitor numbers and reduce the impact on the local community and the environment.”

If planning permission is granted, work is expected to begin this winter. NRW says the programme will be carefully planned to minimise disruption, with local communities kept informed throughout the works.

The full planning application can be viewed through Powys County Council’s planning portal.