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Cwm Rheidol is a major refuge for the Atlantic oak woods in West Wales. It contains large areas of native semi-natural woodland some of which are dedicated as National Nature Reserves. The valley lies within the Cambrian Mountains Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and the Rheidol Woods and Gorge Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The area is of great historical interest with a long history of mining and is a major tourist attraction with the Vale of Rheidol Railway running from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge. The 1950s saw large changes in the valley. The Rheidol hydroelectric power scheme was officially opened in 1954 drawing water from the uplands of Plynlimon with reservoirs at Nant-y-Moch, Dinas and on the Rheidol. Hydroelectric power generation is now complemented by wind generation making Cwm Rheidol the hub of green energy production in Wales. Government investment at the time also led to large areas of conifer plantation in the valley.
Sustainable Forest Management manage the
Powergen woodlands at Dôl-Fawr
and other plantations and native woodlands in the valley. Coed Dôl-Fawr
is a
FSC certified woodland. SFM are
developing partnerships with
local businesses.
Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana at Coed Dol Fawr
Cwm
Rheidol Reservoir’
Old miners paths, Dôl-Fawr
Working woodlands
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