Radnor Forest
Bordered on three of Its sides by the communities of Bleddfa, Whitton and New Radnor and once one of the royal hunting grounds many years ago, Radnor Forest managed by Forest Enterprise (part of the Forestry Commission), forms the central high point in the county of Radnorshire. It covers some 1500Ha of hill ground rising up to a tree line of just under 2000ft.
Within this large afforested area various landscape and forest types have evolved, from the Larch and broadleaf plantations on the lower valley bottoms rising up through Douglas Fir covered slopes to the large Sitka Spruce areas on the ridge and hill tops. Clearings amongst the trees provide wide ranging views to Cader Idris and Snowdonia in the north West, the long Mynd to the North East, across to the Malvern hills to the East and the Brecon Beacons to the South. It has been said that if you travel due East from the Black Mixen hill at the top of the forest the next highest point you come to is the Russian Urals!
The Growing Forest
Over the years since the earliest plantings of the mid 1930’s the forest has evolved and shaped itself by natural and human input to form the forest and
landscape that we see today. Sheltered valley bottoms with open riparian areas leading through to large coniferous stands of timber that over the years have been thinned to give the impressive trees that we see today. As you move up onto the higher slopes and tops you will find the main commercial crop tree of Sitka Spruce, providing timber for the local fencing markets as well as larger timber for the saw mills at Newbridge-on-Wye and Pontrilas. The crop may look dark and uninviting but on these higher slopes the trees cannot be thinned out as much due to the thinner soils and increased exposure they get at this higher level.
Due to natural intervention like the gales of 1976 and the Forestry Enterprises own working, the majority of the forest is now in its 2nd rotation, which in turn provides the forest managers with a chance to look at how the forest fits into the present day landscape and the wishes of the local communities, giving them a chance to change and vary the age class and diversity of the trees within the forest area.
Wildlife
The forest supports a variety of wildlife. Roe deer are quite a common site in the quieter areas, while Buzzard & Goshawk patrol the skies making use of the steep valley sides to aid their effortless flight and the large Larch and Spruce trees providing ideal nesting areas for these large raptors. Crossbill and Siskin also thrive, making use of the plentiful seed supplies that the trees provide.
Along with the plentiful Fox, Badger and Rabbit population, the varying age structure and diversity of the forest provide an ideal wildlife habitat.
Recreation
Apart from areas where trees are being harvested the forest is open to all on foot, horseback and mountain bike. A local company (Dragon Driving) also provide carriage drives through the forest. Numerous public rights of way run through the forest and can be used to link up different areas without having to stick to the forest roads. For the user it provides an almost wilderness experience without having to get to far off the beaten track.
For the more family orientated Forest Enterprise have created a new way marked walk at Fishpools, the area of forest above the village of Bleddfa. This is a 4.5km way marked walk on stoned surface paths and forest roads incorporating viewpoints and wildlife spotting opportunities for all the family.
This trail links in with the Radnor Forest Valleys Walk. A way marked route linking up the villages of Bleddfa, Llangunllo, Pilleth, Whitton and Cascob, all places of interest surrounding the forest offering the visitor the chance to find out more about and explore the surrounding countryside.
