Work has started on ten hectares of tree felling at Parc y Bwlch near Bethesda.

Natural Resources Wales says it's part of a resource plan to ensure a more resilient future for the Bethesda and Abergwyngregyn Forest.

The harvesting work, concentrated on the north-west corner of the forest, is being timed to avoid red squirrel breeding and most bird nesting seasons.

NRW says conservation checks have been carried out and contractors will also make use of directional felling to enable any wildlife to move to nearby trees from the area being felled.

Some of the harvested trees will be made available for local community groups to buy.

Kath McNulty, who oversees NRW's forest operations in North West Wales, said: "This work will include larch trees at Parc y Bwlch which have reached a good size for harvesting."

"Sadly in Wales, larch trees are susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum, a fungal disease that kills them and the disease is spreading rapidly."

"Harvesting the trees before they become infected helps slow the spread. When replanting, larch will no longer be used."

"As part of the work. we are carrying out environmental surveys to reduce the impact on the environment. We would like to thank members of the public for their understanding during the work."

The tree felling is due to be completed in January, but the felled timber, which will be processed into durable products, will continue to be removed from the site until the end of April if needed.

The haulage route will be along Lon y Grug, over the Bwlch towards Rhiwen and onto the A4244.

In the meantime, the forest, including the footpaths, will remain open to visitors with some diversion routes in place.