Coed Madog, Maentwrog, near Porthmadog, Gwynedd

Young mixed broadleaves with vehicular access in a beautiful location.

Coed Madog lies midway between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog on the west side of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in rural Gwynedd. Portmeirion and Cardigan Bay are a 15-minute drive to the west, and the high peaks around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) are half an hour to the north, putting this young wood firmly in the heart of this beautiful area.

The wood occupies north-facing ground on the south side of the Ffestiniog valley and consequently enjoys remarkable panoramic views over the hills around Yr Wyddfa. The terrain within the wood is varied with the larger part being level or gently sloping, rising to steeper slopes on the upper southern boundary.

The previous stands of mature larch blew down in the storms of 2016. The wood was then replanted with a mix of native broadleaves. Birch, oak and willow have been supplemented by a variety of other species including rowan, beech, sweet chestnut, cherry and holly. A few conifers from the previous crop have also seeded in, providing an attractive mosaic of winter colour.

The young trees are now well established and clearly thriving in the benign conditions found here and the evolving habitat is proving increasingly attractive to local wildlife.

The wood is reached by a hard track that serves both the north and south boundaries – ideal for recreation and management. An overgrown internal hard track leads into the heart of the woodland from the north side. There is also approval in place for construction of a small hut, the previous one being the victim of a fallen tree. An overgrown seasonal stream runs through the wood close to the internal track.

For the last 20 years Coed Madog has provided much family enjoyment. However, children grow up and move away…hence the opportunity for the next generation of woodlanders!

Our Forester's Thoughts

Alastair says...

"There are a few tree tubes left over from the restock operation which should be removed.

My next job would be to improve access by clearing the overgrown internal track towards the middle of the wood and perhaps creating a secluded clearing there for quiet enjoyment and camping. I would also want to rebuild the small woodland hut.

The trees have grown well so I would consider respacing denser areas, favouring the retention of minor species like chestnut, cherry and oak where possible.

I would also cut and treat the occasional rhododendron bush before this invasive exotic plant establishes itself."

Please remember some management operations require approval and/or a licence.