Coed Garth Gell

Habitat

Coed Garth Gell is a woodland and heathland nature reserve. The oak woods, or Celtic rainforest are internationally important for their rare mosses, liverworts and lichens as the high light levels and humid conditions in the wood are ideal for them. The heathland at the top of the reserve supports migrant tree pipits and night jars in the summer.

Conservation

The woodland has many ancient and veteran trees, especially oaks that were once more open grown. These trees and the wildlife which thrives on and around them, particularly the lichens and the woodland birds, prefer more open light conditions, and young crowding thickets of dense regeneration and holly threaten to reduce visibility and light levels.

In addition, rhododendron is a constant threat. The RSPB and other partners are working hard through mechanical interventions and trying to restore appropriate grazing to try and restore the right conditions across the site. An important part of this is ongoing work on the rhododendron to prevent it from recolonising the site.

Site information

Mawddach Valley – Coed Garth Gell is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK, and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Leisure activities

The visitor trails weave through beautiful oak woodland with a fast-flowing river in the valley bottom. Part of the reserve’s nature trail follows the route of an old gold mining track, and the remains of buildings and other structures associated with the abandoned gold mines can still be seen around the reserve. The views at the top of the reserve along the Mawddach Valley and up to Cadair Idris are some of the most admired in Britain. The nature trail is rugged and steep in places, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Read more at:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mawddach-valley-coed-garth-gell/#VvAKI40684L8OAZk.99