Children from Tremains Primary School and other invited guests have enjoyed a guided tour of Tremains Wood to mark its official designation as Bridgend County Borough’s newest local nature reserve.
Situated in the centre of a highly developed part of Brackla, Tremains Wood is a popular and well-used area of ancient semi-natural woodland that is several hundred years old.
The area appears on maps dating back to 1799 and 1875 and is home to trees such as Ash, Oak, Elm and Field Maple, fungi such as King Alfred’s Cake and ancient woodland indicator plants including Cuckoo Pint, Dog’s Mercury, Enchanter’s Nightshade and Yellow Archangel.
Listed in the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Glamorgan, Tremains Wood is situated close to three local schools and is regularly used for educational purposes. Its designation as a local nature reserve will secure its future, protect local wildlife and help prevent the area from being used for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Managed by the council’s Countryside Team and supported by the Countryside Council for Wales, work will be carried out to enhance the reserve and create better access for leisure and educational use.
The Countryside Team will work closely with both the local community and Brackla Community Council to carry out woodland management and litter removal, and to encourage greater appreciation for Tremains Wood and its importance as a ‘green lung’ for residents and wildlife in the Brackla area.
The team will also be able to monitor the effects of climate change on the wood and carry out research to help the reserve meet any future challenges.
Councillor John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Tremains Wood is a much-loved local amenity and is well used by the residents of Brackla and beyond. Its new status as a local nature reserve will ensure its future and allow it to be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
