Coed Ysgubor Wen

Coed Ysgubor Wen is mostly improved grassland which will largely be planted with new native broadleaved woodland, retaining patches of gorse scrub. It takes its name from the small area of semi-natural wet woodland of alder, oak, ash and sycamore on the eastern edge, at present unrestrictedly grazed with the adjoining pasture. Also on this edge, higher up the site, are 5 hectares of conifer plantation (primarily sitka spruce and douglas fir) established on an ancient woodland site, with remnant oaks and typical ground flora. This woodland adjoins a CCW broadleaved woodland core habitat network, and its restoration and expansion with new native woodland represents a significant opportunity to extend woodland habitat to great advantage. Part of the meadow at the lowest elevation will be retained unplanted to provide internal landscape diversity. There are dilapidated drystone walls and remnant outgrown hedgerows between some internal enclosures and a good hedge along the road. Occasional overmature native trees are present both in the pasture and in boundaries, and some of the alder in the wet woodland may be of veteran character. Several small streams arise on the site and gather within the wet woodland. The property is located 3km north east of Llanegryn on the north side of Dyffryn Dysynni, and was formerly part of the Peniarth estate. Within the site are the remains of farm buildings, including Pant Lwyfog in the centre of the site and Ysgubor Wen on the edge of the broadleaved woodland – these and other features of historic interest will be conserved during the woodland’s development. Whilst public access was available directly from the lane from Llanegryn along the southern boundary, where a public bridleway enters the property, ownership by Coed Cadw will enable wider free public access to the whole of the site by the development of a footpath network during woodland establishment. There are opportunities for fine views from Coed Ysgubor Wen, including to Craig yr Aderyn, Castell y Bere, Cadair Idris and seawards to Tywyn, which will be incorporated into the planting design. Significant opportunities for involvement in tree planting will be available for local people and schoolchildren during creation of the new woodland. Adjoining land is almost entirely pasture, wooded in parts (to the north east and south west) and intensively improved on the valley flood plain across the road. To the north the land is ffridd, largely unimproved, and which ultimately extends into the ancient landscape of Yr Allt Lwyd (bronze age features). The key features of Coed Ysgubor Wen are: ? New native woodland ? Ancient semi-natural woodland ? Planted ancient woodland site ? Informal public access