The forests of Eryri play a big part in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the National Park. They even play a significant role in the culture and mythology of the area.
Home to a secret world of plants and species
Although it’s easy to think of the National Park as mountainous and rocky, it has around 36,400 hectares of woodland, which is 17% of its total area.
These forests are rich in broadleaf, conifer and mixed trees and are teeming with wildlife, rare creatures, plants and fungi of all kinds.
![Trees at Felenrhyd and Llennyrch woods fill the frame on an autumn day](https://eryri.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Coed-Felenrhyd-Llennyrch-10.jpg)
Native trees
Many native trees and plants can be found in the forests of Eryri, including oak, ash, beech, sycamore, birch, cherry, hazel, alder, rowan, hawthorn and holly.
Some of our native trees have suffered from diseases such as Dutch Elm Disease. One of the most severe diseases at present is Ash Dieback Disease. According to the Woodland Trust, this disease could destroy up to 80% of British trees
Eryri's Woodland Wildlife
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![One of the highland cows in a light brown colour with horns looking towards the camera](https://eryri.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/celtic-rainforests.jpg)
LIFE Celtic Rainforests Project
Wales has its own unique rainforests known as Celtic Rainforests. Thanks to significant funding from the EU LIFE program and the Welsh Government, the National Park Authority is leading a £7 million project to protect the future of these majestic oakwoods.
More about the Celtic Rainforests Project