National Trust Cymru have announced that a new project is underway at Glan Faenol on the Menai Strait to help create a thriving and resilient woodland, where wildlife can flourish and people can access nature and heritage.
Part funded by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme, the #Coed6 Glan Faenol – Ymestyn Gwreiddiau (Spreading Roots) project led by the conservation charity will deliver a range of improvements to improve access, biodiversity, community engagement and heritage conservation across the site.
Commercial forestry during the 20th century has had a profound impact on the biodiversity and health of the woodlands at Glan Faenol, creating ecologically poor blocks of fast-growing conifers within what was a diverse, ancient semi-natural woodland.
As part of woodland restoration efforts beginning this autumn, areas of non-native conifer plantations are being replaced with a diverse mix of native broadleaf trees including oak, birch, rowan, alder and hazel which are far more beneficial to nature.
This active management of the woodland will help restore its resilience while supporting Glan Faenol’s ambition to become part of the National Forest for Wales, a network of woodlands and forests throughout Wales.
Getting the woodlands back into favourable condition will benefit plant and wildlife populations such as the Menai whitebeam (Cerddin Menai), which is found only along this stretch of the Menai Strait, and the area’s small population of endangered red squirrels and pine martens.
Thanks to TWIG funding, work has already started to create and upgrade more than 1,300 metres of paths, making it easier for visitors to explore the woodland and enjoy its impressive location on the banks of the Menai Strait.
The 19th-century limekiln, one of many historical features on the site, will benefit from improved access, visibility and interpretation, helping visitors discover and understand Glan Faenol’s rich heritage.
The project will also see changes and improvements to Glan Faenol’s workshop facilities, including new tool storage, lighting and the creation of an outdoor classroom for local schools. These will support increased volunteer opportunities and a wider programme of woodland skills activities, including woodworking, coppicing and seed collecting.
Meirion Edwards, Project Ranger with National Trust Cymru, said: “This project will help us restore and enhance Glan Faenol for both people and wildlife. By improving access, supporting rare species and restoring native woodland, we are helping to secure the site’s future whilst creating new opportunities for local communities to enjoy and learn from this special place.”
This project is supported by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG), a grant scheme designed to create, restore and enhance woodlands across Wales. The programme is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme.
For project updates go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk and search Glan Faenol. To volunteer with the project email faenol@nationaltrust.org.uk
