An Online Community Newsletter published by the Pencoed Town Council
The wood and pond abound with many species of birdlife and woodland animal and is particularly favoured by grey squirrels and foxes. The pond is the permanent home to ducks and moorhen and the casual observer may be fortunate enough to spot a passing heron fishing for the frogs, newts or minnows that inhabit the pond.
Coed Iestyn is a community woodland project based on a small area of ancient woodland in the north west of the town. The woods are owned by the Pencoed Town Council, who are the major sponsors of the project.
The project began with the Council's desire to protect what was the only piece of substantial woodland remaining within the boundaries of the town from building development. It consists of four and a half acres of woodland, wetland and a small pond. This pond, which is part of the old flooded claypits that once produced the deep red Pencoed bricks, is one of the only areas of open water left in the town.
Since the Council purchased the ground much work has been done in order to open the woodland to the public. An all weather footpath suitable for wheelchairs has been constructed with the help of the Community Services section of the Probation services, and the Pencoed College. A number of wooden walkways and bridges have been constructed to make it easier for the visitor to wander at will in this natural woodland. Much of the woodland has been tidied up and coppiced by these two organisations and a full environmental audit of the wood is being undertaken by the Glamorgan Wildlife Trust. Although much work still remains and maintenance will continue on a long-term basis, the woodland is now open to the public.
The wood consists of various species of tree including oak, ash, holly and wild crab apple. It is a particularly delightful walk in the spring when the ground is carpeted with bluebells, wood anemones, wood violets and celendines. There is a small picnic area, which is suitable for small family outings.
Coed Iestyn Project
