Coedydd Maentwrog National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Coedydd Maentwrog NNR, on the north side of the Vale of Ffestiniog near Maentwrog, is the largest area of ancient oak woodland in the valley. The reserve consists of Coed Llyn Mair, and a group of three adjacent woodlands; Coed Ty Coch, Coed Bronturnor and Coed Glanrafon. It includes a variety of habitats, rising from the wooded valleys onto open moorland reaching towards the slopes of Moelwyn Bach. Sometimes described as a ‘Welsh rainforest’, Coed Llyn Mair features oak woodland and a small stream. A special feature of the reserve is the animal and plant sculptures throughout the woods, which are much enjoyed by children. Because of its high rainfall and humidity, Coed Llyn Mair is home to 170 species of lichens, mosses, liverworts and ferns which cling to the rocks and trees. Animals such as the rare lesser horseshoe bat and the summer migrant, the wood warbler, can be spotted here.
About the area
The county of Gwynedd is home to most of the Snowdonia National Park – including the wettest spot in Britain, an arête running up to Snowdon’s summit that receives an average annual rainfall of 4,473mm. With its mighty peaks, rivers and strong Welsh heritage (it has the highest proportion of Welsh-speakers in all of Wales), it’s always been an extremely popular place to visit and live.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Aberdunant Hall
Part of the Aberdunant Hall holiday park, which is set on 200 acres of ancient woodland, that includes a superb selection of indigenous trees, flora and fauna, further enhanced by water...
The Hotel Portmeirion
An elegant hotel enjoying pride of place shore-side beneath the wooded slopes of Portmeirion village, overlooking the sandy estuary. Saved from dereliction in the 1920s by Clough Willia...
Greenacres Holiday Park
A quality holiday park on level ground just a short walk from Black Rock Sands, and set against a backdrop of Snowdonia National Park. All touring pitches are on hardstandings surrounde...
Ty Mawr Hotel
Ty Mawr translates as 'Big House' and this particular house is located in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park. The attractive grounds, opposite the River Artro, provide a popular be...
Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel
Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel is Victorian country house hotel in well-maintained grounds alongside the River Conwy, at the end of a tree-lined drive. Views down the river can be enjo...
Royal Oak Hotel
Centrally situated in the village, the Royal Oak is an elegant, privately owned hotel that started life as a coaching inn and provides very comfortable bedrooms with smart, modern en su...
Bryn Bella Guest House
Located in an elevated position on the outskirts of the village, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this elegant Victorian house provides a range of thoughtfully equipp...
The Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia
The Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia is a well-established hotel near the foot of Snowdon, between the Peris and Padarn lakes. The mountains and extensive grounds make an attractive backd...
