Project officially starts.
February 2026
Project
#Coed6 Glan Faenol - Ymestyn Gwreiddiau (Spreading Roots)
- Last updated:
- 28 October 2026
Our vision is for Glan Faenol to be a thriving, resilient woodland and rich in wildlife —where rare and endemic species can flourish, and where people feel a deep sense of connection and shared stewardship.
Supported by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme, the #Coed6 Glan Faenol – Ymestyn Gwreiddiau (Spreading Roots) project led by National Trust Cymru will deliver a range of improvements to enhance access, biodiversity, community engagement and heritage conservation across the site.
Woodland restoration work and path closures
What’s happening?
This autumn, work has started to create a healthier and more resilient woodland at Glan Faenol.
Conifer trees were planted here several decades ago, creating an ecologically poor habitat. Many have reached maturity and are ready for harvesting. If trees are left to decline and decay, much of the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
They will be replaced with a diverse mix of native broadleaf trees such as oak, birch, rowan, alder and hazel which are far more beneficial to nature. Scots pine will also be planted to enhance the habitat for red squirrels.
This work will help restore the ecological health and resilience of the woodland while supporting Glan Faenol’s ambition to become part of the National Forest for Wales.
Wales Coast Path closure
To carry out the woodland work safely, the section of the Wales Coast Path that runs through Glan Faenol will be closed from 28 September for approximately 6 weeks. An alternative route will be in place.
Before and after showing around 4-5 years of nature recovery on a site where non-native conifers once stood in another part of Glan Faenol
Slider with before and after images
Access
Despite its picturesque setting on the banks of the Menai Straits, poor or limited access prevents some visitors and communities enjoying the site.
Supported by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme, work has already started to create and upgrade more than 1,300 metres of paths, making it easier for visitors to explore and enjoy Glan Faenol.
The 19th-century Limekiln, one of many historical features on the site, will benefit from improved access, visibility and interpretation, helping visitors discover and appreciate Glan Faenol’s rich heritage.
Recent path improvement work as part of the project
Slider with before and after images
Workshop
We will upgrade our workshop space to include tool storage and lighting and an outdoor classroom for local schools. The enhanced facility will help us to recruit more volunteers and enable us to run more woodland skills activities, like woodworking, coppicing and seed collecting.
What's happened so far
The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG)
This project is funded by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG), a grant scheme intended to create, restore and enhance woodlands in Wales and is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme.
Our partners
This project is funded by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government.