Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has acquired Rock Wood, a 4-hectare patch of Ancient Woodland on the edge of Newtown, Powys, thanks to a generous gift from a local developer. This historic site, long-threatened and suffering from years of neglect, will now be safeguarded and restored for nature, local residents, and future generations.
The project will unite Rock Wood with the nearby Coed y Graig – a 6.3-hectare native broadleaf woodland planted by Coed Cadw in 1999 as part of its Millennium celebration initiative. Together, these sites will join up to form nearly 10 hectares of species-rich, freely accessible woodland in the heart of urban Newtown.
Restoring a Living Heritage
Rock Wood, designated as Ancient Woodland, holds vital ecological and heritage value, including mature oak and ash trees, habitats for badgers and buzzards, and other species indicative of a continuously wooded landscape. Despite this, the site has been at risk due to planning permissions dating back to the 1990s and surrounding housing development.
Thanks to the support of the current landowner, the site will now be restored through careful conservation management, funded by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme. The acquisition will also support the goals of the National Forest for Wales, showcasing the ecological and social potential of urban woodlands.
Restoration efforts will include habitat surveys, boundary protection, and sympathetic work to encourage native flora, fungi, and wildlife, with minimal disturbance to key species such as badgers.
Connecting Communities with Natur
The acquisition of Rock Wood will significantly improve public access to green space for residents of Newtown and nearby Llanllwchaiarn. New walking routes, improved signage, and safer woodland paths will make it easier for families, schools, and visitors to explore the woods and enjoy views over the Severn Valley.
Working in partnership with the Walking Newtown Group, local landowners, and Newtown Town Council, Coed Cadw will ensure safe, sustainable footpath links between the woodlands and surrounding communities. Events, volunteering opportunities, and educational activities will invite locals to reconnect with their natural heritage and build a sense of community ownership.
“Together with Coed y Graig, Rock Wood will create a connected, high-quality woodland for both people and wildlife, showcasing the role that urban woods can play in tackling climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and enriching people’s lives,” said Kylie Jones Mattock, Director at Coed Cadw.
As one of the few woodland sites in the area included in the National Forest for Wales, Rock Wood and Coed y Graig will stand as an example of what can be achieved when community, conservation and vision come together.
