Newborough Forest, Natural Features Waterfalls Islands Forests Rivers Newborough, Anglesey - Wales where to go, what to see and where to stay in Wales

Newborough Forest is located in the south west of Anglesey, North Wales. This pine forest found on the edge of Llanddwyn Beach is an important red squirrel conservation site. Inside the forest visitors can find three trails leading to several bird hides and a lake. Parking is available and there are toilets nearby. There is a road cut through the forest giving access to Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach. Dogs are allowed in Newborough Forest. <br><br> The special nature of the area was formed in the 13th century when violent storms buried the farming region under a blanket of sand thus forming the dune area now known as Newborough Warren. Afforestation began after the second world war but concerns were raised in the late 20th Century about the damage being caused to the environment by the forest, particularly that the water levels within the Forest and within the neighbouring Warren were falling, with the result that winter flooding was not to the same depth and that dune slack pools were drying out sooner. <br><br> Proposals were put forward to fell large areas of the forest. Following consultation with locals however it seems that any plans to cut back the forest have been abandoned (as of 2008). "Today and in the forseeable future people will continue to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the forest and the scope it offers for recreation in all weather conditions, with sheltered and open areas and walks; the mountain vistas, the character of the pine forest, the proximity and contrast of the dunes, sea and forest, the varied wildlife and geology and the large area available for public access, with many walks and paths." Indeed following the consultation access has been improved for horse riding, walking, and the disabled. There is to be limited access for mountain biking and sports that may cause disruption to others such as sand kite buggies, and restrictions on all types of powered vehicles. <br><br>(2009) The Newborough Forest story continues and as of July 2009 it seems that the Welsh Assembly has stepped in and has ordered the felling of 60 acres of the forest. Conservationists are protesting that it will damage the red squirrel population. Other conservationists argue that the felling of the forest will protect the dune landscape, and argue that the forest when originally planted was planted as a crop by the Forestry Commission as in other parts of Wales and as such it would be expected to harvest the crop at some time.<br><br> Many locals disagree and want to protect the status quo. [I personally like both the sand dunes, the forest, and the red squirrels, and I am keeping out of this argument! Editor]