Trees in Denbighshire get crowned to help nature thrive. Pruning creates safe deadwood homes for insects and new habitats.
It used to be a limestone quarry named Graig Wyllt. Oak and ash trees grow all over the place there.
The valley views are amazing; you can even see mountains! In spring, the forest floor is totally covered with flowers. The North Wales Wildlife Trust manages the reserve.
Ash dieback and storms damaged the trees, you know? They pruned them, making it safer for everyone. They also carved cool nooks for bugs and critters. The bugs then help birds and bats find food.
The project uses money from the National Lottery. They want to help wildlife at Graig Wyllt thrive. The trees needed more deadwood apparently. Deadwood helps bugs, moss, and other life grow.
Pruning lets trees age safely and naturally. The cuts look like natural breaks in the wood. This creates tiny spaces for fungi and tiny stuff. This makes lots of deadwood so life can flourish.
They carved holes for birds and bats to live in. Maybe even owls will nest there, how cool is that? They thinned trees hoping new trees will grow. The project happened away from the reserve’s path.
If you visit, park at the Three Pigeons pub. They ask for a one-pound donation, if you can. Reach the reserve on foot, taking the path left. It’s near the B5429. A short walk brings you to a public footpath.