In the winter of 2023/24, the family and friends of Pentwyn farm, supported by the Stump Up For Trees team and volunteers, planted over 22,000 native broadleaf trees. This project restores nearly 21ha of uplands in the Bannau Brycheiniog. The plant includes a new native woodland near the farmhouse and 16ha of Coedcae restoration on the lower slopes of Fan Y Big, above Nant Menascin.

What is Coedcae?

Coedcae is a transitional zone between enclosed farmland and the uplands. Trees, pasture and heathland habitats intermingle to create a bit of biodiversity heaven. Much of this landscape has been lost becoming bracken dominated. Restoring this iconic Welsh habitat will will play a key role in combating both the climate and nature crises.

Benefits of the Pentwyn coedcae

This restoration project will benefit wildlife, increasing biodiversity by creating a diverse mosaic of habitat. It will increase water infiltration into the ground, slowing flow, providing both flood and drought mitigation as well as improvements in water quality. These trees will improve soil structure, provide shelter for livestock, sequester carbon (directly tackling the climate crisis) and a create a legacy of a beautiful woodland for the enjoyment of all.

Over 130 different people were involved in planting including groups from the Royal Welsh Battalion, CGI and Defra. Tree species were chosen to increase biodiversity by providing food for migrating birds and pollinating insects. In partnership with the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, a number of wild apple trees have been planted to support the recovery of this species in its native habitat.

Volunteers from Stump Up For Trees will continue to be involved in monitoring tree growth and assessing restoration of this unique ecosystem.