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Conservation near Llyn Gwynant Campsite
Nantgwynant, North Wales

Conservation projects:



The land around the campsite on Hafod Lwyfog Farm has been under the Tir Gofal Management Scheme since the year 2001. The scheme is designed to protect, enhance and restore farmed land, and create habitats and landscape features.

We have also been involved in major woodland restoration work, with seeds collected in 2003 and the first trees planted in 2004/5. This woodland was planted around remnants of ancient forest and maintaining it is an ongoing commitment.

Some of the key projects undertaken on this farm:

Hedgerows
Maintain existing hedges and restore derelict hedgerows to be living field boundaries. This maintains the character of the local landscape by retaining the historic field patters. It also benefits a variety of wildlife including plants, small mammals and birds, as well as insects.

Dry stone wall restoration
The farm has two major walls – the lower and upper mountain wall. These have had major work as part of the Tir Gofal scheme, and are stock proof today. The walls have been rebuilt in the traditional local style, to the original height and width.

Conversion of semi-improved to unimproved grassland
The intention is to restore the typical species of unimproved grassland, on the lower fields, by taking a haycrop and lightly grazing the land afterwards

Streamside corridors
Stock are removed from some stream boundaries so as to encourage development of a diverse wildlife habitat, and the growth of native trees, shrubs and tall vegetation. This provides cover for animals such as water vole and otter. It also increases the water quality.

Extending broadleaved woodlands
An extensive planting program has been undertaken to establish new broadleaved woodlands adjacent to existing remnants of ancient forest. Stock proof fencing and walling has also been necessary to protect the woodland, as has rhododendron and bracken control. The tree nursery here is now run by Gwynant Trees, and can be contacted at gwynanttrees@gmail.com.

Rhododendron and bracken control
Rhododendrons thrive on an acid soil, and the southern end of Nant Gwynant valley has been badly infested. Removing rhododendron is a very labour intensive task, cutting the trees or bushes, and poisoning the remaining stems. Bracken is also controlled in areas of tree-planting, by being cut.

Permissive access areas
Access to areas of woodland, climbing areas and the lakeside is also part of the conservation scheme. Footpaths have been established, and “kissing gates” erected. Providing access to viewpoints, woodlands and water features is an important part of conservation.

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Some of the thousands of young trees planted from our own native nursery

Bracken must be weeded around new trees


Potted trees from our own nursery may be planted out on the hills or can be sold for those wanting local plants, see Gwynant Tree Nursery.