Kilvey Community Woodland facts for kids
The Kilvey Community Woodland is a special nature reserve found near the city of Swansea, Wales. It's a big area that covers the sides of Kilvey Hill and some flat land nearby. This woodland is a great place for both people and wildlife to enjoy.
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Exploring Kilvey Community Woodland
Kilvey Community Woodland is a large area of trees and nature, about 3 square kilometers in size. It is located about 1 kilometer from Swansea docks. You can reach it easily using the A4217 road. Another important nature spot, Crymlyn Bog, is also close by, just to the east.
An Urban Woodland Haven
This woodland is known as an "urban fringe" woodland. This means it's a natural area very close to busy towns and cities. It's one of the biggest of its kind in the Swansea area. The woodland is a peaceful escape from city life.
Who Looks After the Woodland?
Many groups work together to care for Kilvey Community Woodland. The Forestry Commission helps manage the trees. The local council also plays a big part. Plus, a group of local volunteers, called the Kilvey Hill Community Woodland Volunteers, helps out a lot. They started in the 1990s to keep the area nice and tell people about it. Swansea Council says the woodland is "a refuge for wildlife in the city." This means it's a safe home for many animals and plants. The area has different types of habitats, including woodland, open heathland, wet wetland areas, and grassy meadows.
The Community Sculpture Trail
As you explore the woodland, you might find something special: the Community Sculpture Trail. This trail features eight unique pieces of art. These sculptures were made by volunteers and people from the local community. It's a fun way to see art while enjoying nature.
History of Kilvey Woodland
The land around Kilvey Community Woodland has a long and interesting past. Before the Industrial Revolution, this area was mostly farmland. Farmers grew corn here to feed their families and animals.
Farming and Mills
In the 17th century, a man named Bussy Mansell built a watermill nearby. This mill used the power of water to grind the corn grown in the fields. It was an important part of the local farming community.
The Industrial Impact
Later, the area around the woodland became a busy industrial center. Factories here made things like tin, copper, and zinc. But this industry had a big impact on the environment. The copper production, for example, left the soil polluted. This made it hard for most local trees to grow. The nearby corn fields were ruined, and for many years, the land was almost empty of plants and wildlife. People even described it as "barren as the road." Local farmers tried to take the factory owner, John Henry Vivian, to court because their animals were dying. However, they did not win their case.
Bringing Nature Back
In the 1960s, people started a plan to fix the area. They wanted to create nature trails and plant new trees. But this project didn't get enough support and slowly stopped. By the 1980s, the area had some problems with anti-social behavior. To help the land recover, fir trees were planted. These trees could grow even with the chemicals left in the ground. In recent years, local people have been working hard to bring back native plants to the area. They want to make Kilvey Community Woodland a healthy and thriving home for all kinds of wildlife once again.
