About

Coed y Bont is a community woodland situated on the edge of the village of Pontrhydfendigaid. It is made up of two adjoining woods, Coed Dolgoed and Coed Cnwch. Coed Dolgoed is a lower level, flat woodland of native broadleaf trees, mainly willow and downy birch with rowan, hazel, aspen and oak. Coed Cnwch is an ancient woodland situated on the adjacent hillside with old oaks, areas of hazel and some conifer trees. There is a range of visitor facilities at Coed y Bont, including two level accessible walking trails through Coed Dolgoed.

Strata Florida Abbey
The woodlands that make up Coed y Bont were once within the grounds of the Cistercian abbey of Strata Florida, one of the largest abbeys in Britain. The abbey ruins are nearby and are open to visitors

Coed y Bont is on the Strata Florida Trail and there are information boards about the abbey’s history in the car park.

Dark Skies Discovery Site
Coed Y Bont Community Woodland is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze.

Coed y Bont Community Woodland Association helps to look after the woodlands in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, within the terms of a management agreement. Volunteers from the association undertake various maintenance tasks such as renovating and upgrading paths, installing seats and keeping vegetation in check. Their work has increased the diversity of habitats and species here as well as improving access to the woodland for local people and visitors. The association also organises events in the woodland including conservation days and seasonal guided walks.