Newborough Forest facts for kids
Newborough Forest (which is called Coedwig Niwbwrch in Welsh) is a lovely forest in North Wales. You can find it on the west side of Newborough, Anglesey.
This forest is super important for protecting red squirrels! These cute creatures are becoming quite rare in the United Kingdom. Sadly, there might be only about 500 red squirrels left in Wales, and their numbers are still going down.
Contents
What Makes Newborough Forest Special?
Newborough Forest is a big area of trees that was planted by people. Before 1947, this whole place was mostly just moving sand dunes. But then, trees were planted to create the forest we see today.
Why are Red Squirrels Important Here?
Newborough Forest is one of the best places in the UK for red squirrels to live safely. These squirrels are native to Britain, but they are losing their homes and facing competition from grey squirrels. The forest provides a safe haven for them. Protecting this forest helps these special animals survive and thrive.
How the Forest Grew
As mentioned, the forest wasn't always here. It was once just shifting sand dunes. Starting in 1947, people began planting trees. This process is called afforestation. Over time, these young trees grew into the large forest you can explore today.
Water Levels and the Environment
In the late 1970s and 1980s, people started to worry about the water levels in the forest. They noticed that the winter floods weren't as deep as before. Also, small pools of water in the sand dunes were drying up faster. This was a concern because many plants and animals depend on these water sources.
Protecting the Forest's Future
In 2004, there were ideas to remove large parts of the forest. However, local people and groups who care about nature strongly disagreed. They wanted to protect the forest. Because of their concerns, the government is now asking for public opinions. This "public consultation" will help decide how Newborough Forest will be managed in the future. It's a way for everyone to have a say in protecting this special place.
Visiting Newborough Forest
Newborough Forest is a very popular spot for visitors. In 2015, over 319,000 people came to enjoy the forest! It's a great place for walks, bike rides, and enjoying nature. Many people love to visit because of its beautiful scenery and the chance to see wildlife, including those important red squirrels.
