February 2026
Start of project
Project officially starts.
Project
#Coed6 Glan Faenol - Ymestyn Gwreiddiau (Spreading Roots)
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.
Funded by the The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG), 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, wildlife and rare species
Commercial forestry during the 20th century has had a profound impact on the structure and resilience of the woodlands at Glan Faenol, creating ecologically impoverished blocks of fast-growing conifers within a former diverse ancient semi natural woodland.
As part of woodland restoration efforts, areas of non-native conifer plantations will be removed and re-planted with a diverse mix of native broadleaf trees. 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. Work to remove conifer trees will take place during autumn 2026.
Getting the woodlands back into favourable condition will benefit plant and wildlife populations such as the Menai Whitebeam (Cerddin Menai), which is found only along this stretch of the Menai Strait and the area's population of native red squirrels and Pine Martins.
Access
Despite its picturesque setting on the banks of the Menai Straits, poor or limited access prevents some visitors and communities enjoying the site.
Work has already started to create and upgrade more than 1,300 metres of paths, making it easier and safer for visitors to explore the woodland and enjoy this stunning location.
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.
Before and after - path improvement work in Glan Faenol
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.