Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - Summer 1992
Jerry Langford

The Woodland Trust is a national charity whose aim is to safeguard trees and woodland - for the benefit of future generations. It is one of Britain's fastest growing conservation organisations whose membership has increased to 65,000 people in the last decade or so. Already the Trust protects many thousands of acres of woodlands and so far has raised over £13,000,000 for their conservation. It owns nearly 500 sites ranging from a few hilltop trees to substantial woodland blocks.

Woods are vitally important to wildlife - the fauna associated with one old oak for example, is surprisingly diverse. Woodland rides harbour butterflies and other insects and a wide variety of birds feed or breed in the shelter of woodlands.

Already in Carmarthenshire alone, seven sites are owned by the Woodland Trust (and many others are safeguarded in neighbouring counties). A vital aspect of the Trust's work is the management of these wooded areas for the benefit of wildlife and, for most sites, to make these areas accessible for visiting by both Trust members and the general public.

The Woodland Trust Reserves in our county are:

1. Beech Hill Wood, Ferryside SN365095 - 1.5 acres overlooking Ferryside. A young planting scheme. No access for the time being in accordance with the wishes of the donor.
2. Allt Troed y Rhiw fawr SN413255 - 39 acres of hillside woodland near Bronwydd, Carmarthen; part of the extensive Cwm Duad complex. 0ak, ash and wild cherries with nesting pied flycatchers and dippers along the river below.
3. Coed Pantyffynnon SN443017 - a tiny 0.3 acre reserve overlooking Burry Port - scrub and planted trees offers shelter to local wildlife.
4. Coed Tregib SN641217 - a large expanse of woodland (70 acres) is protected at this locality just SE of Llandeilo. An ancient woodland site (it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest) with herb Paris and other uncommon plants and insects. There are badger setts in the wood and all three British species of woodpecker occur.
5. Coed Letter near Myddfai SN772305 - a recent acquisition, this 12.7 acre site holds a range of woodland wildlife. A management priority will be to thin areas of dense conifers to improve the potential of this woodland for wildlife.
6. Coed Ystrad SN395189 - on a prominent hill overlooking Johnstown, Carmarthen, this also is a recent acquisition. A 30 acre mixed woodland with both a range of deciduous trees as well as conifers and holding an interesting flora. Management will include improving access paths for the benefit of interested visitors.
7. Vicarage Wood SN587196 (4.8 acres) and Waun y Fedwen SN590195 (2.5 acres) Two small woodlands of oak, ash, beech and a nice mix of cherry, hazel, holly and hawthorn forming a well-developed understorey. Acquired in 1991.

It is hoped shortly to announce the purchase of another woodland (a SSSI) not far from Kidwelly.

Your help is required to help us conserve other woodlands, through purchase or other forms of land tenure, elsewhere in the county, as well as throughout Britain for the benefit of landscape, wildlife and also for responsible recreation by country lovers. Should you wish to support us, a membership application form is enclosed with this issue of the Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter. Your help will be very much appreciated.