Graig-felen Plantation

Wood, Forest in Glamorgan

Wales

Graig-felen Plantation

Descent from Allt y Fanog Credit: Alan Hughes

Graig-felen Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Situated near the village of Wood, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 250 acres. The plantation is highly regarded for its natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and recreational opportunities.

The woodland is predominantly composed of a mix of native tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and birch, creating a rich and varied ecosystem. The leafy canopy provides a habitat for numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, while the forest floor is home to a wide range of smaller mammals, including badgers, foxes, and squirrels.

Visitors to Graig-felen Plantation can enjoy a variety of activities amidst its tranquil surroundings. There are several well-marked trails that wind through the woodland, offering opportunities for walking, hiking, and nature observation. The forest paths provide a chance to immerse oneself in the peaceful ambiance and explore the diverse plant life, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.

In addition to its natural beauty, Graig-felen Plantation also boasts historical significance. The remains of an ancient stone circle can be found within the forest, hinting at its past as a place of spiritual importance or gathering.

Overall, Graig-felen Plantation is a captivating woodland destination in Glamorgan, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature, immerse themselves in history, and enjoy a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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Graig-felen Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.697593/-3.908267 or Grid Reference SN6801. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Descent from Allt y Fanog

Alan Hughes

Trapped waymarker

Tree roots have grown around the waymarker, gripping it tightly.

Alan Hughes

Public footpath and stile

Across Cathelyd towards Cwm Clydach.

Alan Hughes

Gateway and stile

Alan Hughes

Waterfall on Lower Clydach River

Alan Hughes

Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve

Alan Hughes

Footbridge over Lower Clydach River

Alan Hughes

Approaching the footbridge from Cathelyd

Alan Hughes

False puffball

Enteridium lycoperdon. A silvery grey fungus on a rotting tree trunk in Cwm Clydach. See Link

Alan Hughes

Lower Clydach River

Now a RSPB nature reserve, this beautiful valley belies its industrial past. Old mine buildings lurk among the trees and the bronze discolouration of the water is due to mine seepage.

Alan Hughes

Cut mark on wall northside of Clydach Road

An ordnance survey cut mark can be found on the wall north side of Clydach Road, South facing.

John Jenkins

Cut Mark on St John's Church, Clydach

An ordnance survey benchmark can be found on the East tower of St John's Church.

John Jenkins

Masons Arms, Rhyd-y-pandy

A remote pub standing alone at a road junction.

Nigel Davies

Trig pillar on Mynydd Gelliwastad

This trig pillar is right next to a rutted trail across the mountain. This is the view east towards Clydach below. If you look carefully, you can see the chimney from the Inco nickel refinery popping up above the bushes just a little to the right of the pillar top. Swansea, Port Talbot and much of the Swansea valley are also visible from this hill.

Nigel Davies

Church and Refinery at Clydach

The chimney stack of the nickel refinery dominates the town of Clydach near Swansea. Here it can be seen to the south of a church in the middle of town.

Nigel Davies

Clydach Refinery seen from above

Here is a view of the Inco nickel refinery as seen from the trail up Mynydd Gelliwastad.

Nigel Davies

Information board in Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve

The tree lined valley surrounding a crescent shaped portion of the Clydach river is designated as an RSPB Nature Reserve. This information board is near the car park at the south end. The trail and public footpath follow the river most of the way up to the next road bridge at Pont Llechart.

Nigel Davies

Bend in the River Clydach

This is the view southeast down the river. Although it is now a nature reserve and quite overgrown, there are numerous small signs of mining industry here: building foundations, buried steel ropes and the stone walled artificial bank of the river, visible on the curve in the distance.

Nigel Davies

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Graig-felen Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SN6801 (Lat: 51.697593, Lng: -3.908267)

Unitary Authority: Swansea

Police Authority: South Wales