Good things happening in Gelli Hir

Good things happening in Gelli Hir

© Marianne Evans

Recent visitors to Gelli Hir Woods Nature Reserve may have noticed some, hopefully subtle, changes over the last few months.

Our Nature Networks Fund Accessible Nature project has enabled us to deliver a number of improvements to make the reserve safer for and more resilient to visitors.

Earlier in the year we closed the woods for a week to allow contractors to deliver tree safety work. We removed several trees which were a hazard beside the tracks and paths. The sharp eyed may notice some notch cuts and 'coronet' cuts in some of the standing poles we retained. There were added by the arborists to enhance habitat features for birds, bats, inverts and fungi. Where trees have been removed, the increased light levels have created different opportunities for flora and fauna.

More recently we have carried out path improvements. Adding surfacing stone and renewing culverts to make one of the most used paths more resilient. Providing decent paths encourages people to use them, rather than seeking ways around wet of muddy parts. This reduces the impact on the rest of the woods and its biodiversity.

There’s more work to come so keep your eyes open as you visit this popular little woodland.

Heritage Fund and Welsh Government logo with dragon motif.

This project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme. It is being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government.