Coed Tan-Y-Bryn nature reserve

"This work is partly funded by Forestry Commission Wales through the Better Woodlands for Wales grant scheme. Fe ariennir y gwaith yma'n rhannol gan Gomisiwn Coedwigaeth Cymru drwy gynllun grant Coedtiroedd Gwell i Gymru."

Coed Tan-Y-Bryn is an eleven acre woodland nature reserve in the Cambrian uplands of Wales. The woodland was previously forestry commission land and more than 90% of the tree's are non native Sitka Spuce.

We aim to convert the woods to mixed woodland with at least 70% native species. Initial bio-diversity surveys show that some area's of the land have good habitats for wildife and that these habitats will vanish if the existing young non native spruce tree's are allowed to grow further. Existing older blocks of Sitka spruce do not allow light to penetrate and have very poor diversity as would be expected.

The management plan will aim to provide as many possible habitats and therfore food sources for native wildlife. A pool and wetlands area will be created along with management of land alongside a small stream that runs through the woods. We will be creating various new habitats over the coming years with bird & bat boxs, south facing earth banks, dead wood piles, forest glades and so on. Management of the land will include a willow coppice, fire wood coppice, creation of grassy rides and a small Christmas tree plantation.

These area's will improve the woodland in terms of structure and diversity. An extract from the first years managment report is available for download below. * Please see the shop area for purchasing gift aid items to help the cause.

***NEWS*** (May 2008) The pool filled with water very quickly and is starting to settle now. Will now be monitoring pool and wetlands to see how they develop. The first study has shown that several species of water beetle and water bugs have already colonised the pool and that newts are also present.

The main woodland ride (track) is starting to settle after getting various vehicles stuck in the mud over the winter and spring. The butterfly, lizards and beetles seem to be enjoying the space anyway! :)

****NEWS***  (October 2007) The pool and internal track have now been created. More work to do on pool to make it more wildlife friendly. The speed at which the digger created both the track and pool was incredible! The track which is 500ft long took just 7 hours to complete & the pool which is a bout 1/5 of an acre only took 6 1/2 hours!!!

Now hoping that the track dries out and that the pool fills with water!

****NEWS***  (Summer 2007) Coed Tan-Y-Bryn nature reserve has been approved for a "Better Woodlands for Wales" grant which will improve access for general management and help us with cost for wildlife habitat creation. We hope to have an internal track and pool dug by this winter (2007) . Coed Tan-Y-Bryn nature reserve species list year one (2006 extract from first year report) Click here to download this file