Litter fears as TikTok sparks forest visitor surge

A Welsh forest that has gone viral on social media has been inundated with tourists leading to concerns about littering and parking.

TikTok and Instagram videos of Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes, Powys, some seen by millions of people, have prompted a surge of visitors in recent weeks.

But the forest's sudden popularity has angered some locals who feel it is having a negative impact on the environment.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it had "intentionally refrained from promoting the site" to discourage excessive interest.

Councillor Glyn Preston told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast he wants to see people "enjoying the beauties of mid Wales", but said agencies need to take better care of the forest.

Hafren Forest was previously shortlisted for Britain's favourite path but has recently found fame with its towering trees and riverside boardwalk.

One social media video attracted 1.8 million views but locals are concerned that fly-tipping, littering and parking has become an issue.

"You're seeing a car every two minutes going down a single track road," said Mr Preston.

"It's becoming gridlocked at various different choke points."

He said better facilities were needed, including bins and well-maintained toilets.

There are temporary toilets in place which are set to be replaced with permanent facilities in future.

Mr Preston said local businesses were benefitting from the extra visitors as the "town is busier" and people are "spending their money".

"But that being said, we've got this sort of honey pot that's being ruined with dog mess being left on the side of the roads, fly tipping and so on," he added.

"We don't have a Starbucks in Llanidloes, we've got lots of independent coffee shops and somehow there's Starbucks coffee mugs all along the side of the road."

The councillor said NRW needed to provide more than just "advice" to tackle this issue.

He said: "We need some bins, we need some proper facilities there. We need to make sure that the toilets are well maintained and cleaned regularly."

He added that a partnership with Powys council would allow them to "put in the necessary infrastructure to make it a better site."

NRW said it had encouraged people to "consider other fantastic places" in mid Wales to help avoid overcrowding.

When visiting Hafren Forest NRW has advised people to "bring a bag and take all rubbish and food waste home, using public bins or recycling where possible".

"When parking, ensure you do not block access to gateways or driveways, and always leave space for emergency vehicles," it added.