Rare ancient woodland near popular Swansea beach put forward for special status

A woodland reserve in Gower could become part of the National Forest for Wales. The 19-hectare Bishop’s Wood local nature reserve stretches back from Caswell Bay and is described by Swansea Council as a relatively rare example of limestone woodland, part of which is classified as ancient. It is a site of special scientific interest and has special area of conservation status, and the council’s cabinet has approved a recommendation to apply for it to be included in the National Forest for Wales. It wouldn’t cost the council anything and would come with benefits including advice from a national forest officer about grants and how to increase biodiversity, new signs and information boards, and promotion by Visit Wales. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here Cllr Andrew Stevens, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, told a cabinet meeting on June 4 that Bishop’s Wood met the necessary application criteria. He said “It’s well-managed, accessible and has real community involvement behind it.” A cabinet report said the National Forest for Wales was a Welsh Government initiative in 2023 which aims to create a network of accessible woodlands the length and breadth of the country. Administered by environment body Natural Resources Wales, the report said it will consist of existing woodlands, restored woodlands and new woodlands and was a commitment spanning decades. Speaking in March this year, Wales’s then deputy minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the forest had grown to 114,000ha – the equivalent of approximately 114,000 international rugby pitches. The first section of a 50-mile trail encompassing 12 national forest sites from Porthkerry Park, Vale of Glamorgan, to Pont Walby viaduct, near Glynneath, was launched that month. Speaking on June 4, a Welsh Government spokesperson said the forest was currently comprised of its own woodland estate and 82 individual sites. She added: “The future approach to development of the national forest is being considered by Welsh ministers in the context of their manifesto commitments.” Swansea meanwhile has one woodland that’s already part of the National Forest for Wales: Penllergare Valley Woods in the north of the county. Council leader Rob Stewart backed the Bishop’s Wood recommendation. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to participate in this initiative,” he said.