The natural woodlands now found in valleys and lowlands are the
last remnants of the ancient woodland that once covered
Snowdonia. Supporting a variety of precious plant and animal
life, these woods are often in danger of dying out due to lack
of regeneration. The local authorities are doing good work to
encourage regeneration and expansion of existing broadleaved
woodlands. Forestry plantations are a modern phenomenon in
Snowdonia, planted within the last century with little or no
regard for their detrimental impact on the landscape. The
straight lines of the forest boundaries and the single species
block planting has introduced a new and alien dimension to a
landscape which wa sformerly diverse and scattered, composed of
elements found naturally nearby. Much work is now being done to
rectify the damage done by forestry plantations to the
landscape, and as these plantation smature they add their own
unique attractions of majestic mature trees supporting a
diversity of flora and fauna.