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Exploring Glan Faenol

Glan Faenol woodland
Glan Faenol woodland | © National Trust images/James Dobson

This 49-hectare (120-acre) woodland on the shore of the Menai Straits boasts spectacular views across to the majestic Plas Newydd House and Garden. The conifer plantations are slowly being replaced with local broadleaf trees, and their rich understory of flowers provides colour all year. From the observation platform and bird hide you can see a wide range of sea birds and, occasionally, seals.

Bird hide at Glan Faenol
Glan Faenol bird hide | © National Trust images/James Dobson

Exploring the woodland at Glan Faenol

Discover the seasonal splendour on the many paths that take you through various woodlands, parkalnd and up close to the Menai Strait.

Close up of a red squirrel enjoying some food in a forest
The famous red squirrel | © National Trust Images/Gary Bailey

Wildlife spotting

Venture into the bird hide to catcha glimpse of the foreshore and woodland birds as they go about their daily life. You might even be lucky to spot the red squirrel or some seals basking on the shores of the Menai Strait.

Biodiveristy in the plantations

You'll notice that conservation work is underway at Glan Faenol. Cinifers that were suffering from base rot are being gradually replaced with mixed species of different heights and ages, which will offer considerably higher biodiversity and oppertunities for wildlife than a monoculture conifer plantation.

Historical buildings at Glan Faenol

Glan Faenol woodland was once part of the Vaynol estate, which dates back to the Tudor period. You can still see the remains of buildings of this opulent residence.

A young child and her mother bending down to look at flowers in the Sunken Garden in May at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland

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