Welsh woods named as part of Ancient Canopy to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Two Welsh woodlands managed by Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales) have been chosen as part of a nationwide network to be dedicated to The Queen, in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy – to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

Established over hundreds of years, the chosen woodlands and trees represent the diverse canopy of the four nations; a celebration of our living heritage. The initiative was launched this week by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Two Welsh woodlands managed by Coed Cadw have been dedicated as part of the Ancient Canopy:

1. Brynau Farm: 57 hectares of land perfectly placed on rolling hills next to Gnoll Country Park. It contains a pocket of ancient woodland, and sits on the edge of Neath, with views across to Swansea Bay and Mumbles lighthouse.

2. Wentwood:Situated around 8km north of the village of Llanfair Discoed, between Newport and Chepstow. Teeming with wildlife, visitors can look out for wood ant nests which can be up to four feet high, and listen for the sweet song of the wood warbler on warm summer days. Over 70 species of bird and 23 species of butterfly have been recorded on site.

Additionally, the Wentwood Curley Oak has been named as one of the 70 Ancient Trees to receive an individual dedication.

These Ancient natural spaces hold significance and meaning for many people in many different ways. They are symbols of community pride, places to connect socially and vital spaces for health and wellbeing activities.

HM The Lord Lieutenant for West Glamorgan, Louise Fleet, visited Brynau’s ancient woods today,  with Coed Cadw site manager Chris Matts. As well as viewing recent work carried out by volunteers to clear rhododendron from the ancient woodland, the Lord Lieutenant learned about the young people’s Green Skills programme which is supported by the Queen’s Green Canopy.

She said, “It’s wonderful to know and see that the remaining ancient woodland of Brynau is being restored here. Volunteers have clearly been working hard in the existing wood as well as planting trees on the rest of the site to connect new woods with the old, a really great lasting legacy for the community to have for the future.”

Coed Cadw Director Natalie Buttriss added, “The Ancient Canopy has been likened to the nation’s ‘Crown Jewels’ of nature, and in the case of Brynau, this ancient woodland has been in existence for many hundreds of years and is such a special and valuable place for nature. We are honoured by the association with HM The Queen’s platinum jubilee and hope HM The Queen would be proud of the efforts to protect this woodland for future generations.”