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About Coed Garth Gell
Nestled in the spectacular Mawddach Valley, Coed Garth Gell is a woodland and heathland nature reserve. The visitor trails weave through beautiful oak woodland with a fast-flowing river in the valley bottom. In the spring and summer, pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers are prominent, with bluebells in flower and gorgeous fritillary butterflies on the wing. Come for a walk in winter and you could see siskins, lesser redpolls and, occasionally, hawfinches and lesser spotted woodpeckers.
Part of the reserve's nature trail follows the route of an old gold mining track, and the remains of buildings and other structures associated with the abandoned gold mines can still be seen around the reserve. The oak woods are internationally important for their rare mosses, liverworts and lichens as the wet conditions in the wood are ideal for them. Tiny, tissue-like filmy ferns that are a speciality of the area can be found growing from clumps of moss on wet rocks beside the path. The woods are also home to a population of lesser horseshoe bats.
The heathland at the top of the reserve supports migrant tree pipits and nightjars in the summer. Although rarely seen, the heath is also home to adders, slow-worms and common lizards. The views at the top of the reserve along the Mawddach Valley and up to Cadair Idris are some of the most admired in Britain. The nature trail is rugged and steep in places, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Opening times
Open at all times
Entrance charges
None, but you can help us continue our work here by becoming a member.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control