Bridge over untroubled water

A woodland walk beckoned on a day of warm, even hot, sunshine - Casey felt the need to cool his feet when we reached this little bridge over the tiny Nant Gafren stream that flows through Pengelli Forest.

It's an ancient woodland that has been of importance to the local economy for centuries, the different kinds of timber supplying a variety of functions: oak for charcoal and tanning, hazel and ash for hurdles and handles, alder for clogs, birch for besoms and so on. The gentry enjoyed the hunting while farmers grazed their pigs and cattle among the trees, and cottagers gathered firewood.

Between 1914 and 1930 the forest was clear-felled for pit props. Left to regenerate naturally it grew into a dense woodland which is now managed as a wildlife reserve supporting barbastelle bats, silver washed fritillary butterflies and even the invisible dormouse whose presence is betrayed only by its toothmarks on nut shells.

Several years ago I attended a weekend greenwood course here and learnt how to make besoms and hurdles in the quiet depth of the forest. As you can see, even the bridge has been made from branches and timber sourced on the spot. It's the ideal place to savour the perfection of an early spring day, or indeed any season. Details here.