North Cardiff Woodlands Project

The North Cardiff Woodlands are a special place for both nature and humans. This project is about both thriving together. The woods are home to sensitive species and habitats and provide space for people to connect with nature and leave the city behind.

The woodlands are protected under conservation designations in recognition of their natural significance. Over the last few years, the ecological condition of these sites has deteriorated due increasing recreation. Inappropriate usage also poses a safety risk to other users.

Cardiff Council, Natural Resources Wales and the Wildlife Trust South & West Wales (WTSWW) are working together with user groups and local communities to restore the woods, while ensuring appropriate and safe access for everyone.

Our vision: Healthy, resilient woodlands with people and nature in balance.

Type of Conservation Designations

Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI)

SSSIs are the most important sites for Wales’ natural heritage. They are highly protected to safeguard the range, quality and variety of habitats, species and geological features in all parts of Wales. They are the cornerstones of conservation work, protecting the core of our natural heritage.

There are more than 1,000 SSSIs in Wales, covering about 12% of the country’s surface area.

Forest Ganol
Cwm Nofydd
Wenallt

Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

The SAC designation provides another level of protection for sites that are also SSSIs. The Welsh Assembly Government, through Natural Resources Wales is responsible to the European Union for ensuring that SACs remain in a condition favourable to the important habitats and species for which they have been designated.

Cardiff Beech Woods

Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)

These are locally important sites that are of high biodiversity value because of the habitats and species present. Although they are not legally protected, these sites will be of substantial nature conservation value and have an important role to play in meeting biodiversity targets and contributing to landscape-scale benefits for wild fauna and flora.

Ty’n y Coed

Project Aims

Healthy nature, resilient ecosystems

Protect and manage sites for wildlife habitats and species.
Restore deteriorated habitat and protected sites.

Increased public involvement and engagement

Work together with the public effectively, taking into account the needs of different groups and addressing issues of conflict.
Raise public awareness, knowledge and connectivity with nature.
Increased well-being benefits for the public.

Better trails in the right place

Routes formalised for different user groups to access and enjoy the woodlands safely and responsibly.
The environmental impact of trails is reduced, with some trails ‘rewilded’ to restore sensitive habitat.

Project Updates

2020 – A user survey showed how valued these woodlands are but that high levels of use are sometimes causing tension between users. The survey received 1,282 responses.
2021 – Ecological surveys show recreational pressure is the key issue negatively impacting the woodlands, especially unofficial trails. Sensitive areas most in need of protection are identified and areas which could support recreation.
- Initial discussions began with user groups to address these issues together.
2022 – Public engagement and consultation took place to understand issues, and the types of interventions people want to see. This included online and face to face meetings. Successful two day drop-in workshops were held, with 70 people attending. Here, attendees shared and mapped their ideas and experiences of the woods.
- Land managers (Cardiff Council, Natural Resources Wales, Wildlife Trusts) work closer together and create the North Cardiff Woodlands Partnership.
- North Cardiff Trails group is formed to promote more sustainable mountain biking in the area.
- New signage was installed to raise awareness of the importance of the woodlands and encouraging users to stay on the trails.
2023 – The project applied for The Woodland Investment Grant. The project received strong support from local organisations, communities and recreational groups. Unfortunately, the project passed the first funding stage but was not successful at the final round.
2025 – The project goes for more funding – and this time is successful! The project has received Nature Networks funding from Heritage Lottery. This will fund ‘Routes to Resilience’ a two-year project focusing on Fforest Ganol, Fforest Fawr and Garth Woods. The Funding supports a project officer and focuses on the collaborative approach working with users to restore habitat and improve access.