Coed Cefn

Coed Cefn occupies a hilltop overlooking Crickhowell which lies 1 mile to the west. Most of the woodland canopy consists of blocks of oak and beech with self-sown ash predominating on the southern side and a few remaining fir and spruce. In the western tail of the wood semi-mature oak and sycamore are found. The woodland floor is dominated by bluebells and brambles, although there is some hazel, hawthorn, birch, holly and elder in the under storey. There is an area of planting in the centre of the site which was restocked with native broadleaves in 2003 following clearance of conifers. A low, semi-rectangular earthwork is found in the centre of the wood and is an Iron Age hill-fort which is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) by CADW. Public access comprises of a circular footpath running from the roadside entrance and car park at the eastern end of the wood. Ground flora is predominated by carpets of bluebells in the spring, and the wood is regularly visited by local dog-walkers. There are two significant old stone quarries within the wood which could be dangerous should visitors stray off the established paths. The surrounding land is predominantly agricultural grazing, except the eastern end where, over the Council road, lies Bell fountain Park and its woodland. The Key features of the wood are: Ancient woodland site, Archaeological Feature (an Iron Age Hill Fort), Historical feature (the dry-stone wall and hedge boundary), and Informal public access