CONSERVATIONISTS say an “irreplaceable” ancient woodland at Glasinfryn, outside Bangor, at Glasinfryn could face the chop to make way for a 40-chalet holiday park.

The Woodland Trust (Coed Cadw), the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, fears time is running out to protect the habitat of herons, sparrow hawks and bluebells, under threat if plans at Coed Wern Ty-Gwyn go ahead.

To make way for the park, 5.6 acres (2.3 ha) of forest could be felled, most of which is ancient woodland.

The charity is now urging people who want to speak out against the plans to have their say before the consultation closes.

The proposals have been submitted to Gwynedd Council planners by applicants Mr S Clapperton and Mr R Cross – Coed Wern Ltd – represented by agents Owen Devenport Ltd, of Llangefni.

Most of Coed Wern is categorised as a ‘restored ancient woodland site’ (RAWS).

According to the charity, the small areas of ancient woodlands that remain in Wales represent the last remnants of the wildwood that once covered much of the country.

They date back to at least 400 years ago, although many may go back to the period following the last ice age.

Ancient woodlands make up only two per cent of the land area of the UK and contain a variety of wildlife not found anywhere else. The ancient woodland area was planted with non-native trees in the past, but has now been restored to native broad leaf cover.

Rory Francis, the trust’s campaigning manager, said: “We’re hugely concerned about these plans.

“Ancient woodland is literally irreplaceable and it’s protected in Welsh planning policy.

“So it’s not a suitable location for building a holiday park development.

“We’re determined to stand up for these irreplaceable ancient woods and we’re asking the public to help.

“But they must hurry. The consultation ends on October 17.

“We’re inviting anyone who’s keen to protect the rich and rare habitat these woods provide to take part in the consultation by going to our website: woodlandtrust.org.uk/wales.”

Nearly 2,815 visitors have already registered objections.

“A habitat survey and protected species survey of the site has been carried out by the developer. It confirms that sparrowhawks and herons were recorded there, as well as ground flora typical of ancient woodland, such as bluebells and wood sorrel,” Mr Francis added.

In a statement the charity also cites a Welsh government Planning Policy Wales 2014 document, which says: “Ancient and semi-natural woodlands are irreplaceable habitats of high biodiversity value which should be protected from development that would result in significant damage.”

Plaid Cymru Councillors Dafydd Owen and Menna Baines recently called a meeting at Glasinfryn to hear residents’ views.

Menna, who represents Pentir, said: “Most of those present were concerned about the general effects a development of this nature would have on the community, including noise from a holiday village of this size. Traffic was another issue which was discussed.”

However, it was also reported that others who attended the meeting were supportive of the application, stating that the development could bring “economic benefits to the area.”

Owen Devenport Ltd, on behalf of its clients Coed Wern Ltd said: “We are aware that comments have been made by the Woodland Trust and their supporters. At this stage we would not wish to comment until we have had an opportunity to respond to the points raised through the planning process.

“The aim of the application has been to produce a high quality development that will respect and enhance the environment, and it is considered that the detailed documents submitted demonstrate that.”