Silia Wood

Silia Wood is a small woodland on a moderately steep sloping, south facing hillside about half a mile from the centre of Presteigne. It was ancient semi-natural woodland but converted to ornamental woodland circa 1860 and then incorporated into the grounds of Silia House. Many specimen conifers were planted in the period 1860 - 1896 and some survive, now being amongst the oldest and largest examples in Wales. There are a number of Douglas fir more than 100ft tall, together with particularly notable specimens of Grand fir, Noble fir, Wellingtonia and Western hemlock. Naturalised non-native shrubs and garden plants are also abundant including flowering currants, box, butchers broom, Portuguese laurel, hollies and mahonia. Much cherry laurel was removed shortly after acquisition by the Trust. Plants of garden origin include daffodils, snowdrops and primroses. Towards Presteigne the woodland continues as an arboretum as part of a private garden. The wood is surrounded on all other sides by improved grassland.