Lon y Coed - Felindre

Site Description

Lôn y Coed is situated in the level valley floor of a tributary of the Afon Towy. The land to the west is a steep woodland (Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site) recently felled and replanted by Forest Enterprise; to the south and east is generally unimproved water meadows, laid out in small fields bounded by mature hedgerows. These are grazed by mixed livestock and also mown for hay in the summer. The majority of the planted trees are protected with deer fencing which has been effective but does discourage people from walking amongst the trees. The circular path goes around the outside of the deer fence. There are good views from the site.

Prior to our ownership the site was grazed by sheep. In winter the area nearest the river floods regularly, this can mean that wellington boots are needed to get from the entrance to the drier ground.

There are several mature trees in the boundary hedge of the site. Now that grazing has stopped bracken is beginning to creep in from the western boundary. The bracken is likely to be suppressed eventually by the growing trees.

Running alongside the eastern boundary of the site is a green lane and public right of way which once linked the Mansion House at Aber Marlais with the water mill on the river near to the site. The lane is partially enclosed and over topped with a hedge of hazel and thorn and this hedge was extended with hazel to form a continuously enclosed lane and now forms the Millennium Feature for the site. Lôn y Coed means "Wood Lane".

The site was purchased in 2000 and designed and planted with help from the local public. The trees planted will form a community woodland and this together with the footpath network is the two Key Features of the site.

The site is abundant with wildlife; ravens, buzzards and red kite can often be seen flying over the site and buzzards nest on the site. There is a pond in the site too which harbours much insect life. Deer also visit the site which provides additional interest but also causes some damage to the trees outside the main fenced area..

Access from the public road in Felindre (Mill Place) is along the continuation of the public right of way which leads down a farm drive, past Park Lodge and into the site. The drive follows the rivers edge.