Marl Hall Woods

Marl Hall Woods are a landmark visible for miles around: they were even used by 18th century seafarers as an aid to navigation. Centred upon an impressive limestone cliff overlooking Llandudno Junction and the Conwy valley, the woodland is particularly worth a visit in the spring when the woodland flowers are at their best. The site can be explored via a network of permissive and public footpaths which take in all the variety the woodland has to offer.

Above the cliffs are significant areas of limestone grassland which support a wide diversity of plant species including a number which are scarce in Britain. For a brief moment in summer, the grassland is a swathe of blue as the rare Spiked speedwell comes into flower. At any time of year, the view from the top is well worth the walk! The site overlooks the Conwy estuary and the majestic Conwy Castle, with views toward the mountains of Snowdonia.

Marl Hall Woods is designated as part of the Creuddyn Peninsula Woods Special Area of Conservation and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, both for the quality of its woodland and for the grassland and the species which it supports. This means it receives legal protection to ensure that these important features remain in optimum condition. The woodland is largely ancient but much changed by human activity: the lower slopes were largely replanted in the 1960s with beech. Sycamore is also abundant here. Earlier planting has resulted in the presence of a variety of mature exotics on the lower slopes around Marle Hall. The upper slopes have also been subject to planting but are mainly dominated by mature native species (oak, ash, wych elm and yew), with some beech, sycamore, larch and pine. Below the canopy, you will encounter native shrubs such as hazel, holly, elder, spindle, spurge laurel and wild privet. Close to Marle Hall there are many more garden escapes. It’s not surprising that there are so many non-native plants: archaeological investigations in 2002 revealed the remains of a formal garden dating from the early 1800s, when the woods formed part of the grounds of the adjacent Marle Hall. In this period there was a fashion for exotic species brought in from around the globe. Unfortunately some of these can cause problems when introduced to our countryside and there a great deal of work is undertaken at Marl Hall Woods to bring invasive species such as Holm Oak under control. The site is of significant archaeological interest: a study in 2002 identified caves dating back to the Pleistocene era with possible evidence of human activity. Marle Hall itself dates back at least to the early 1600s. There is also evidence of quarrying and a ruined dwelling on site. The hall itself is now an Outdoor Education Centre for Warwickshire County Council, from whom the Woodland Trust has leased the wood since 1985. The centre uses the woodland for various activities and maintains an orienteering trail on site. A number of other groups have used the site for educational and recreational activities.