Wildlife at Bontuchel Wildlife Hide

 

Mammals: The woodland still retains most of the broadleaf character and is home to one of Wales' most endangered mammals, the Dormouse. Badgers are sometimes seen feeding on the spilt bird food and can be watched from the hide. We have information about Badger

Birds: Bontuchel is situated on a steep valley slope that reaches the small river of Nant Melin Dwr, where Dippers can often be seen flying up and down. Many other small birds can be seen especially from the hide, where during the winter months food is provided for the woodland birds near the hide. There are several bats occupying the boxes provided by the forest staff.

Insects and reptiles: There are breeding populations of grass snake (Natrix natrix). The created pond has provided habitat for smooth newts (Triturus vulgaris).

Habitats: The resulting woodland is now an extremely diverse block of mixed broadleaf/conifer with many of the hard woods being in effect stored coppice. The predominant species is birch; there is also a variety of other species, densities in order of: hazel, beech, willow, ash, oak, alder, sycamore, cherry, lime and holly. The wood has intermittent pockets of softwoods comprising of western hemlock, Japanese and European larch, Scots pine, Norway spruce, noble and Douglas fir. The aquatic habitats include two stream systems, one pond and patches of alder and willow woodland.

How to get there:
From Ruthin take B5105 sign posted Cerrigydrudion, on leaving Llanfrwog, take the right turning sign posted Cyffylliog. Upon entering the village of Bontuchel turn left sign posted Clocaenog. Approximately l mile out of Bontuchel parking on the left. Follow signs for the Hide.

Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)

	There is open access for horse riders in this area.

Contact:
Steve Crosby
Local Area Manager
0845 604 0845
e-mail: steve.crosby@forestry.gsi.gov.uk