Pengelli Forest National Nature Reserve, Pembrokeshire

Details

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Brief description

See https://www.welshwildlife.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/Pengelli-Forest-Leaflet.pdf

"Pengelli Forest is part of the largest block of ancient Oak woodland in west Wales. The woodland can be broadly divided into two sections. Adjacent to the entrance is Pant-Teg Wood, the steep slopes supporting woodland dominated by Sessile Oak and Birch regrown from clear-felling during 1914-1930. Dense canopy shade has inhibited the understorey growth of Hazel and Holly. The ground flora is characteristic of acid Sessile Oak woodland with Wavy Hair-grass, Common Cow Wheat and Bilberry, with numerous moss species. Three trees of the native Wild Crab Apple are present and valley bottoms support Alder and Willow.

The main body of Pengelli Forest with its gently undulating topography and many small streams has developed on poorly drained boulder clay soils. The woodland – owned and described in detail in Elizabethan times by the noted Pembrokeshire historian George Owen - was once very important to the local economy as a source of timber, and was grazed by livestock that were confined within a bank and ditch. The canopy comprises a mixture of Birch, Ash and Alder with a wide range of hybrid Oaks. Over much of the site there is a dense understorey of Bramble, Hazel, Honeysuckle, Hawthorn and Holly. This is the only known location for the Midland Hawthorn in Pembrokeshire and Aspen, Goat Willow, Wild Cherry, Wych Elm and Apple are also to be found."

Address

Email

Phone

Website

https://www.welshwildlife.org/nature-reserve/pengelli-forest/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgx1e229rxo

Directions

Main entrance: OS SN123396. "The reserve is about 2.5 km from Felindre Farchog via road and lane. At the entrance, Limited roadside parking is available, but this is occupied by students of educational courses held on land adjacent to the deep interior of the forest on a Wednesday and Thursday.  Coppicewood College is the outfit that are based at Pengelli Forest and who undertake their green wood working courses within the reserve. Further information and contact details can be found on their website at: Coppicewood College - Applying traditional rural skills to modern life

There are easy walks near the entrance but no wheelchair access; elsewhere paths can be muddy and steep."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

"Public transport bus number 412 Cardigan to Haverfordwest via Fishguard."

Amenities