There are more than 250 acres of woodland in Penllergaer Valley Woods, managed by the Penllergaer Trust. After 20 years of careful restoration and conservation, the estate features a mosaic of biodiversity with woodland pastures, heathland, two lakes, wetland and a river running through it.
It’s the former home of John Dillwyn Llewellyn, an extraordinary horticulturalist, astronomer and pioneering photographer who was friends with Henry Fox Talbot of Lacock who invented the negative/positive photographic process and revolutionised photography. Mary Dillwyn, his younger sister, was the first female photographer in Wales.
One of the core aims of the Trustees who manage the estate is to protect nature and nurture biodiversity. Stuart, who is General Manager of the Penllergaer Trust, will lead a walking tour, detailing some of the significant history and wildlife of the site. He will also update visitors on the ambitiouc plans and projects that the Trust has for the future.
The estate is home to a huge variety of wildlife including kingfishers, dippers, mallards, heron, dabchicks, passing otters and increasingly - they hope - water voles in newly created wetland.
We ask for donations of at least £1 per adult to go towards our WTSWW group funds. All are welcome. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by adults. There are toilets and there is car parking on site which can be paid for in cash or by card. There is also bicycle parking.
Please meet in front of the Visitor Centre to begin the walk promptly at 10.00am. It will last for two hours. Refreshments are available in the cafe.
Important: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for a walk in the Woods according to the weather forecast on the day. Given the nature of the Valley, the walk will involve a number of slopes and uneven ground.
All images © Janet Hawkins
