Latest news with #CommonwealthCanopy
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
The ancient woodland walk with river views and a proper pub stop
The ancient woodland walk with river views and a proper pub stop This ethereal forest is also scattered with archaeological features, from ancient trackways to the remains of an old mill, and the trails feature epic views over the Severn Estuary. Wentwood was once a hunting preserve for Chepstow Castle, and it is the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales. (Image: Portia Jones ) Let the record show that I'm a forest walk girlie. There's really nothing like a woodland walk to clear the mind and soothe the soul after a busy week at work. I've stomped around many forests in Wales searching for solitude and wildlife, and I'm always adding new woodlands to my 'must-walk list'. A hiking friend of mine suggested that I try a spot I hadn't visited before: an ancient woodland sandwiched between Newport and Chepstow, known as Wentwood Forest. This 353 hectares of woodland is owned by the Woodland Trust and is part of the wider forest block managed by Natural Resources Wales, which spans a total of 1,000 hectares. According to the Welsh Government, it is a fine example of good-quality, well-managed woodland and exemplifies a large-scale restoration from a plantation site to a Semi-Natural Ancient Woodland. This restoration work showcases the successful collaboration between the Woodland Trust and Natural Resources Wales. Wentwood Forest (Image: Gwent Police ) The Natural Resources Wales website explains that Wentwood was once a hunting preserve for Chepstow Castle, and it is the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales. Most of the original native trees here were felled during the mid-20th century to make way for fast-growing, timber-producing conifers. The Trust is restoring Wentwood to its native state as a broadleaved woodland, and its ancient woodland restoration project has been accredited under the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy initiative. This ethereal forest is also scattered with archaeological features, from ancient trackways to the remains of an old mill, and the trails feature epic views over the Severn Estuary. I couldn't wait to explore. How to explore Wentwood Forest Keen to explore, I found a trail on the handy AllTrails app (Image: Portia Jones ) Keen to explore, I found a trail on the handy AllTrails app, convinced my long-suffering husband to join me, and hopped in the car. Wentwood is around 8km (five miles) north of the village of Llanfair Discoed, between Newport and Chepstow. It's around a 35-40 minute drive from Cardiff, making this an easy day trip for forest lovers. The main entrances are located at the two car parks, Foresters' Oaks and Cadira Beeches, on the road to Usk. There are several other entrances, including Wentworth Gate, which is closest to bus routes and the ancient Curley Oak. There is a welcome panel in the car park featuring a map and information on what to see, and you should spot marker posts to help guide you along the paths through the forest. Load up a hiking app, and you'll see that the woodland has an extensive network of roads, tracks, footpaths and bridleways, waymarked throughout, providing many walking routes. We decided to do the Wentwood Forest Circular, a family-friendly 4.7 km circular trail that takes you through the shady forest. Stepping onto the woodland trail, I first noticed how the crisp air is laced with the earthy scent of damp pine and moss, a sensory reminder that this is nature at its most untamed. We decided to do the Wentwood Forest Circular, (Image: Portia Jones ) Following the trails, we traversed the native broad-leaved woodland, walking through undulating and often muddy paths that wound through the canopy of trees. It's an unbelievably serene walk where you'll hear bird song instead of traffic and be treated to dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, the rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth, and the soothing crunch of leaves underfoot, pure woodland bliss. Wentwood is also teeming with wildlife. We spotted large wood ant nests, which can reach heights of up to four feet, and tried to listen for the sweet song of the wood warbler. Over 70 species of birds and 23 species of butterflies have been recorded on-site, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. What's most impressive is the abundance of dense flora and fauna here, as well as the weird and wonderful fungi species that grow in the wood, such as the fly agaric and chanterelle. Wentwood's native trees were used for centuries, but most of the deciduous ones were chopped down during World War II. In the '50s and '60s, the area was replanted with conifers. These days, the woodland's bouncing back, and native trees are making a welcome return (Image: Portia Jones ) These days, the woodland's bouncing back, and native trees are making a welcome return. There is also a rich history here, with several Bronze Age tumuli (funerary barrows) on the ridgetops. In Roman times, wood was also a valuable source of timber. The Woodland Trust notes that Wentwood is mentioned in ancient texts, such as the 12th-century Book of Llandaff, one of Wales' earliest ecclesiastical manuscripts. In 1271, a survey for the Lord of Chepstow listed 21 tenants with rights to timber and firewood. During the 15th century, it was the haunt of outlaws following the Welsh revolt against English rule, led by Prince Owain Glyndwr. Major felling took place in the 17th century to provide charcoal for local industry, marking the beginning of a process that ultimately led to the disappearance of all ancient rights. Evidence of the site's industrial heritage can still be seen in the form of charcoal hearths and the remains of a mill. By the 1960s, all the woodland now owned by the Trust was covered in conifers. When the Trust acquired part of Wentwood in 2006, it began thinning out the conifers to restore the ancient forest, open heathland, and old wood pasture, all of which is great news for local wildlife and keen walkers. Following the forest trail, I was struck by how few people we came across (Image: Portia Jones ) Following the forest trail, I was struck by how few people we came across, only a handful of dog walkers and a cheerful cyclist. It's unusual (and refreshing) to see so few people in such a scenic spot on a sunny Saturday. Perhaps because there's not much in the way of facilities here? There is no adventure playground, cafe, toilet block, etc. It's a wild back-to-nature spot, perfect for forest explorers who prefer birdsong over pricey flat whites. Post-walk, we were keen for a pint and headed to a nearby pub that had been recommended to us. The Woodlands Tavern is just a short drive away and is exactly the sort of rustic country pub we love. Chef-owner Clive Williams is passionate about sourcing high-quality, fresh local produce and a decent selection of ales, and it shows. The homely pub offers a seasonal à la Carte menu, along with a weekly changing Sunday Lunch menu that looks utterly delicious. I'm definitely adding it to my growing 'Sunday lunch list'. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . As we headed back home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for places like Wentwood. It's not just a lush spot for a weekend wander; it's living proof of how nature can bounce back when given a helping hand. With its rich history, thriving wildlife and peaceful, winding trails, it's earned a firm spot on my 'walks worth repeating' list. Need to know As we headed back home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for places like Wentwood. (Image: Portia Jones ) Grid reference: ST433950 Map reference: Explorer 152 OS Landranger 172 Take a map or download a trail in a hiking app, especially if you're planning a long walk. Don't rely on phone signal, as many woodland areas are out of signal range. Stick to paths to minimise disturbance to wildlife and watch out for cyclists. Take drinking water and snacks or picnics, but please don't leave litter behind. Article continues below If you're bringing your dog, read the Woodland Trust's dog walkers' code of conduct so you know what's expected in their ancient woods.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- General
- The Independent
King plants tree near Palace lake to celebrate Commonwealth forest network
The King has planted a red maple tree at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the success of a global network of Commonwealth forests created in tribute to his late mother. Charles used a spade to shovel dirt at the base of the Acer rubrum, 'October Glory' near the lake's edge in the gardens of the royal residence to commemorate the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC). The King, a passionate gardener and environmentalist, personally chose the species of sapling, which is known for its striking display of scarlet leaves in the autumn. He was said to have spotted one of the other October Glories in the grounds some time ago and decided it would be a perfect addition next to the lake. The monarch used a watering can to give the young tree its first drink in its new home on Tuesday. Charles is known for saying 'Good luck tree' at each official tree planting, followed by a ritual of touching the trunk for luck. The tree, the third of its kind in the Palace gardens, also stands in recognition of the King's 'longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and the enduring bond between the nations of the Commonwealth', Buckingham Palace said. The QCC project was launched in 2015 to encourage Commonwealth countries to create a network of protected areas of forest to mark Elizabeth II's lifetime of service as head of the family of nations. Some 54 countries have since taken part, dedicating more than 115 sites and projects, and conserving nearly 12 million hectares of indigenous forests including botanical gardens in the Caribbean and a gene bank of forest in Rwanda. It is understood the King selected the maple tree some time ago. The red maple leaf features on the Canadian flag but it is understood the sapling was chosen for its appearance, rather than to signify support for Canada amid its trade war with its neighbouring US.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
King plants tree near Palace lake to celebrate Commonwealth forest network
The King has planted a red maple tree at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the success of a global network of Commonwealth forests created in tribute to his late mother. Charles used a spade to shovel dirt at the base of the Acer rubrum, 'October Glory' near the lake's edge in the gardens of the royal residence to commemorate the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC). The King, a passionate gardener and environmentalist, personally chose the species of sapling, which is known for its striking display of scarlet leaves in the autumn. He was said to have spotted one of the other October Glories in the grounds some time ago and decided it would be a perfect addition next to the lake. The monarch used a watering can to give the young tree its first drink in its new home on Tuesday. Charles is known for saying 'Good luck tree' at each official tree planting, followed by a ritual of touching the trunk for luck. The tree, the third of its kind in the Palace gardens, also stands in recognition of the King's 'longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and the enduring bond between the nations of the Commonwealth', Buckingham Palace said. The QCC project was launched in 2015 to encourage Commonwealth countries to create a network of protected areas of forest to mark Elizabeth II's lifetime of service as head of the family of nations. Some 54 countries have since taken part, dedicating more than 115 sites and projects, and conserving nearly 12 million hectares of indigenous forests including botanical gardens in the Caribbean and a gene bank of forest in Rwanda. It is understood the King selected the maple tree some time ago. The red maple leaf features on the Canadian flag but it is understood the sapling was chosen for its appearance, rather than to signify support for Canada amid its trade war with its neighbouring US.
