Llandegla Forest facts for kids

Llandegla Forest (called Coed Llandegla in Welsh) is a large forest in north-east Wales. It covers about 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers) and is full of planted conifer trees. These are trees like pines and spruces that stay green all year round! You can find Llandegla Forest in Denbighshire, a county in Wales. It's located just south-east of a small village called Llandegla, right on the edge of the Ruabon Moors.

The forest is easy to get to, being only about 20 miles from the city of Chester and 7 miles west of Wrexham. You can reach it by taking the A525 road towards Ruthin. A company called UPM Tilhill owns the forest, and they started planting trees there in the early 1970s. Most of the trees you'll see are Sitka spruce, but there are also some larch trees.

Pendinas Reservoir: A Forest Lake

Right in the middle of Llandegla Forest, you'll find a beautiful lake called Pendinas Reservoir (or Llyn Pendinas in Welsh). This reservoir was built a long time ago, in the late 1800s, by a company called Brymbo Water Company. Its main job was to provide clean drinking water to the towns and villages nearby. Today, Dee Valley Water manages the reservoir, making sure it continues to supply water to the local area.

Fun Things to Do in Llandegla Forest

Llandegla Forest is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures and activities. Lots of people visit to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Mountain Biking Adventures

One of the most popular activities in the forest is mountain biking. Llandegla is famous for its special trails designed just for bikes. These trails wind through the trees, offering exciting rides for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders. It's a great way to explore the forest and get some exercise!

Exploring on Foot

If you prefer walking, Llandegla Forest has many paths and trails for you to explore. You can take a gentle stroll or go for a longer hike. A very famous long-distance walking path, the Offa's Dyke Path, actually goes right through the forest. This path follows an ancient earthwork built centuries ago, making it a walk through history as well as nature.

Fishing at the Reservoir

For those who enjoy a quieter activity, fishing is allowed at Pendinas Reservoir. It's a peaceful way to spend time by the water, surrounded by the forest's calm atmosphere.

Wildlife in Llandegla Forest

Llandegla Forest and the open moorland next to it are very important homes for many animals, especially a special bird called the Black Grouse.

The Black Grouse: A Special Bird

The Black Grouse is a beautiful bird that is becoming quite rare in many parts of England and Wales. However, in Llandegla Forest, their numbers are actually growing! This is thanks to a special program that manages the land just for them.

Watching the Black Grouse Dance

To help visitors see these amazing birds without disturbing them, a special bird hide has been built. A bird hide is like a small hut with windows, where you can sit quietly and watch the birds. This hide overlooks an area where the Black Grouse perform their unique "lekking" display. Lekking is a special kind of bird dance where the male Black Grouse gather to show off to the females, hoping to find a mate. It's a truly incredible sight to witness!