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.
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
Fungi
There are over 15,000 species of fungi in the United Kingdom, many of which can be found in Eryri's forests and woodlands.
Bluebell
This plant can create a bright purple carpet on the forest floor when blossoming. Welsh names for the flower include 'Clychau’r Gog', 'Bwtias y Gog' and 'Clychau'r Eos'.
Owls
The owl's remarkable ability to spot and hear small movements from afar makes it one of the best hunters in our habitats.
Lichen
Lichen grows on trees and rocks and is an organism from the same family as fungi and algae. Many kinds of lichen species can be found in the ancient forests of Eryri.
Moss
Although moss is a well-known plant, the number of moss species growing in Eryri's forests is astonishing. They play an important role in flood prevention.
Cuckoo
Hearing the cuckoo's call can be a magical experience that signals the start of spring. However, the cuckoo is also known for its cunning nature and deceptive tactics.
Woodpecker
The knocking noise made by woodpeckers is characteristic of this fantastic bird. Their slender beak chisels under the bark of trees for access to all kinds of insects.
Common Frog
Common frogs vary in colour from green to brown, or even red or yellow. They can be found around ponds in the spring and hide under dead trees in winter.
Newts
There are many types of newts living in the woodlands of Eryri. They breed in ponds during the spring and spend most of the rest of the year feeding on invertebrates in forests.
Wood mouse
One of the most common mammals in the forest. They eat seeds, fruits and nuts in the autumn and catch invertebrates such as worms, caterpillars and centipedes.
Badger
The badger is Britain's largest land predator. Its black and white patterned fur makes it one of the forest's most distinguishable animals.
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