Our Forest

Our forest is a mixed woodland of 29 hectares (about 70 acres) lying on the north-west facing slope of a valley that runs up to Lake Vyrnwy in the Berwyn Mountains in Mid-Wales. It is an ancient woodland with documentary evidence showing that it has been covered with trees at least since 1800. The indicator plant species present suggest that it has been woodland for very much longer than that.
 The elevation of the wood ranges from (650 ft) and 320m (1030 ft) so that much of the woodland is on steep slopes. While this provides an eye catching vista for those driving down to Llanfyllin from Lake Vyrnwy, it does provide a challenging setting for working the wood.
Small areas, particularly along the stream boundaries are ancient semi-natural woodland although most of the wood was replanted between 1951 and 1965. However, there are around fifty veteran Beech, Holly and Sweet Chestnut trees many of which are thought to date from around 1800.
The principal timber species are Beech, Douglas fir, Oak, Larch, Noble fir, Norway spruce,

Sweet chestnut, Ash and Alder. There are a total of 33 tree species in all.
 Over 350 species of plant, fungi and bryophytes have been recorded in the past few years and we are managing the wood in ways that ensures the health of this rich diversity.
The wood has been assessed as sustainable to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and is certified by FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council.
The wood is actively managed and timber is harvested every year to provide an income to look after the woods and to encourage new growth in place of the trees removed.
Each spring, at bluebell time, we hold an open day with refreshment to raise funds for NCH, the children’s charity.