Coed Cadw

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.  We campaign to protect ancient woods, improve woodland biodiversity, increase native woodland cover and increase understanding and enjoyment of woods.  We are part of the 'I Count' campaign to stop climate chaos.

Our woods in Monmouthshire:

• Cefn Ila is located about one mile from Usk, and was purchased by Coed Cadw in 2007.  It is 72 acres of improved grassland, that is gradually being planted as a new area of native woodland. There are already species rich hedgerows and veteran trees on the site.  Cefn Ila is close to other areas of ancient woodland so represents a great opportunity to link these areas in the landscape.  Final community tree planting event Sat 13th March 2010 10am to 2pm, park at Usk College for minibus transport.  Bring gloves, wellies and outdoor clothing (and a spade if you have one).
• Wentwood Forest is a remnant of a vast area of woodland that once covered the slopes of the escarpment that looks over the Gwent Levels towards the Severn Estuary.  Centuries ago Wentwood Forest would have stretched from Newport all the way to the Wye at Chepstow.  It was once a hunting forest belonging to Chepstow Castle.  The Forest and its surrounding countryside support a wide range of flora and fauna, including 23 species of butterflies, 75 species of birds including nightjars, turtle doves and spotted flycatchers, mammals that include dormice and otters, and ancient woodland plants that include wild daffodils, wood sorrel and yellow pimpernel.  The Forest was planted with conifers from 1880, and most of the broadleaved trees had been felled by the Second World War.  The broadleaved trees were replanted with more conifers in the 1950s and 1960s.  Ancient woodland plants and wildlife have hung on, and will regenerate once more light is allowed in following felling of the conifers.  Coed Cadw was able to purchase nearly 900 acres of Wentwood Forest in 2006 and now has the chance to restore this ancient woodland to its former glory.
• Beaulieu Wood is part of The Kymin, a well known local viewpoint with its distinctive Round House and Naval Temple that are owned by The National Trust.  Conifers are being thinned gradually and replanted with broadleaved species.
• Coed Gwraig - Tal-y-coed near Llantilio Crossenny is a particularly interesting site for its plant life because it supports both lime and acid tolerant plants.  Its tree species include small-leave lime, sycamore, cherry, oak, ash, elm, wild service and yew which is common along the sunken tracks which run through the site.
• Great Triley Wood, Abergavenny is periodically flooded by the River Gavenny, and the damp conditions allow some plants such as marsh marigold, water dropwort, water avens and sedges to thrive.  Generally the Woodland Trust welcomes visitors to all its site, but the lack of safe parking, and difficult ground conditions make this woodland difficult to get access to.
• Priory Grove, Monmouth runs parallel to the River Wye, and can be seen from the A40.  It is an example of mature high forest in an area with high landscape value and special wildlife interest.  Fallow deer are present in the area.  Access to Priory Grove is off Hadnock Road.
• The Punchbowl, Llanfoist is a well known local landmark and beauty spot.  It is situated high up on the side of the Blorenge, overlooking Abergavenny.  The site is dominated by a large, wooded glacial cwm, containing a man-made lake.  The wooded slopes form some of the highest altitude Ancient Semi Natural woodland in Britain.
• Whitemill Common and Roughets Wood, Shirenewton is of value for its Semi Natural Ancient Woodland and for informal public access.  There is a viewpoint and bench on Whitemill Common and paths through Roughets Wood with bridges over the Mounton Brook.

To sign our e-petition to the Welsh Assembly Government to create more native woodlands click here

To find out more about our work or to make a donation, visit our web site www.coedcadw.org.uk

Contact details:
Gary Roberts, Development Officer Wales, PO Box 779, Aylesbury, Wilts.

Phone 08452 935809

Email garyroberts@woodlandtrust.org.uk