
The Forest Guide: Wales
Copses, Woods and Forests of Wales
Gabriel Hemery(Author)
Bloomsbury Wildlife (Publisher)
Published on 6. February 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-3994-0912-4 (ISBN)
Description
A guide to exploring 325 of the most scenic, wildlife-rich and historically significant woodlands in Wales.
From precious remnants of temperate rainforests to lesser-known wildwoods and urban copses, Welsh woodlands offer places of sanctuary for both wildlife and people.
In this practical guide, Gabriel Hemery brings together the beauty, purpose, history and wildlife of some of the most extraordinary woodland sites in Wales, from the largest (like Tywi Forest, covering more than 6,000 hectares) to the smallest (measuring one hectare). Some woods are havens for rare wildlife such as the threatened red squirrel, spectacular lichens and the elusive goshawk. Others offer opportunities to explore archaeological features and discover some of Wales' magical and hidden histories. Many are ideal for simply enjoying the spectacular Welsh scenery.
The book is divided into seven regions, each beginning with a summary of its woodland heritage. The 325 site entries contain details of ownership, designation, area, forest type, precise access details (including grid reference, post code and what3words reference) and a description of key features of interest. With clear maps and hundreds of remarkable photographs showcasing Wales' plants, animals and landscapes, this is an essential book for adventurers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts. Wherever you may be in Wales, with this guide you will never be far from a fascinating forest site.
From precious remnants of temperate rainforests to lesser-known wildwoods and urban copses, Welsh woodlands offer places of sanctuary for both wildlife and people.
In this practical guide, Gabriel Hemery brings together the beauty, purpose, history and wildlife of some of the most extraordinary woodland sites in Wales, from the largest (like Tywi Forest, covering more than 6,000 hectares) to the smallest (measuring one hectare). Some woods are havens for rare wildlife such as the threatened red squirrel, spectacular lichens and the elusive goshawk. Others offer opportunities to explore archaeological features and discover some of Wales' magical and hidden histories. Many are ideal for simply enjoying the spectacular Welsh scenery.
The book is divided into seven regions, each beginning with a summary of its woodland heritage. The 325 site entries contain details of ownership, designation, area, forest type, precise access details (including grid reference, post code and what3words reference) and a description of key features of interest. With clear maps and hundreds of remarkable photographs showcasing Wales' plants, animals and landscapes, this is an essential book for adventurers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts. Wherever you may be in Wales, with this guide you will never be far from a fascinating forest site.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
200 colour photographs, and maps for every region
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
646 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3994-0912-4 (9781399409124)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2025
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Wildlife
€27.49
Available for download
Person
Gabriel Hemery is a writer, photographer and passionate advocate for trees. His tree photography has adorned books and international advertising campaigns. A forest scientist and chartered forester by profession, Gabriel co-founded Sylva Foundation to help nurture a wood culture across Britain. He has written several fiction and non-fiction books, including The New Sylva and The Forest Guide series.
www.gabrielhemery.com / @gabrielhemery
www.gabrielhemery.com / @gabrielhemery
Content
Wales' Forests
How to Use this Guide
Access to Forests
Keeping Safe
North-West - Ynys Mon/Isle of Anglesey, Conwy, Gwynedd (Sites 1-72)
North-East - Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham (Sites 73-101)
Central-West - Ceredigion (Sites 102-135)
Central-East - Powys (Sites 136-200)
South-West - Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot (Sites 201-263)
South-Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan,Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Sites 264-286)
South-East - Monmouthshire, Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen (Sites 287-325)
Site Designations
Cymraeg Terms
Glossary
Useful Information
Further Reading
Regional Maps
Index
Acknowledgements
How to Use this Guide
Access to Forests
Keeping Safe
North-West - Ynys Mon/Isle of Anglesey, Conwy, Gwynedd (Sites 1-72)
North-East - Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham (Sites 73-101)
Central-West - Ceredigion (Sites 102-135)
Central-East - Powys (Sites 136-200)
South-West - Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot (Sites 201-263)
South-Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan,Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf (Sites 264-286)
South-East - Monmouthshire, Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen (Sites 287-325)
Site Designations
Cymraeg Terms
Glossary
Useful Information
Further Reading
Regional Maps
Index
Acknowledgements