STORM Darragh and its 93 mph winds are likely to affect harvesting in Wales for "years to come", Natural Resources Wales has said. 

The storm ripped through large parts of the UK earlier this month, with heavy rainfall and gales leaving about 95,000 homes without power.

Early indications are that the damage caused to Wales' forests is significant, with many miles of forest roads, walking trails and mountain bike routes obstructed by fallen trees and branches. This is expected to take some time to clear.

NRW released images of the damage caused by Storm Darragh NRW released images of the damage caused by Storm Darragh (Image: NRW)

NRW - which manages the country's public estate - is now urging visitors not to go to forests and reserves while work continues to repair the destruction left by the storm.

NRW released photos of damaged forests near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire and Crickhowell in Powys, showing dozens of felled trees.

Gavin Bown of NRW said Storm Darragh took a significant toll on the land and with widespread fall of trees, the destruction could take years to overcome.

He said: “Storm Darragh impacted communities right across Wales, with thousands of homes experiencing power cuts, and communities impacted by fallen trees and flooding. Our sympathies go out to those affected. 

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“The storm has taken a significant toll on the land in our care as well. A huge amount of work went into preparing for and responding to Storm Darragh, and the improved weather this week has allowed us to start the long road to recovery.  

“We’re inspecting our sites to assess the damage, and our land managers and contractors are prioritising work to clear blocked roads and trails.  But this will take some time. The impacts we have seen will likely affect planned forest and harvesting operations for years to come. 

“While we’re undertaking that important work to get your trails back to normal, those who use them for recreation are advised not to travel to our sites at this time."