Also called Atlantic or Celtic rainforest, these important woodland sites are home to rare birds, butterflies and insects. They are havens of biodiversity, but are thought to be under greater threat than tropical rainforests.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and RSPB Cymru are working together on this project, with the support of Natural Resources Wales and Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. 

The project has received funding from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG), which will enable it to:

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  help the woodlands regenerate by creating boundary infrastructure to stop sheep disturbing fragile habitats and introducing sustainable grazing
• improve public access by installing rest benches, replacing stiles with gates and providing access to existing forestry tracks
• create information boards to encourage local visitors to explore the area and increase their understanding of the environment
• encourage community involvement by creating groups and offering training in controlling invasive tree species and surveying wildlife
• develop a programme of outdoor learning for schools that ties into the national curriculum and STEM subjects 
• hold a festival to raise awareness and celebrate Wales’s Celtic rainforests through demonstrations with local community artists and makers

Jennifer Newman, Visitor Experience Manager for Elan Valley, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, said: “We are so excited to be able to work in partnership with RSPB Cymru to safeguard Elan’s internationally important Atlantic oak woodlands, known as Celtic rainforests, into the future. 

“This funding will allow us to deliver new volunteering and educational opportunities for the local community and to protect our special wildlife and biodiversity unique to the Elan Valley.”

The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) is part of the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales programme.

Get funding for your woodland project

Find out more about how funding from The Woodland Investment Grant can help you create, restore and enhance woodlands in Wales.