Pembrey Forest

The Forestry Commission manages a large area of land in Carmarthenshire, including Pembrey Forest, an extensive area of low-lying pine forest on stabilised sand dunes at Cefn Sidan, west of Llanelli in Carmarthenshire. From the outside, only the forest edge is visible, although internally there has been extensive restructuring through felling and replanting. The woodlands are bounded by one of Wales' finest beaches, an SSSI / RAF bombing range, a Country Park and pastureland. Pembrey forest is of significant recreation and conservation value.

The nature the ground of Pembrey Forest gives a highly unusual mosaic of habitats. The freely draining dunes and wet slacks provide conditions for an interesting flora. The changes in the water table throughout the year gives added variation.

The plantation forest is mainly Corsican Pine, which is well thinned and has some clearfell and restocked areas which creates temporal glades. Many areas are becoming broadleaf woodland with much willow and alder in the wetter northern end and oak regerating in the southern end.

The Forestry Commission manages the grass rides, open glades and road edges for wild flowers and invertebrates.

Thirty-five different species of butterfly have been recorded here in recent years and the forest is one of the most important sites in Wales for Grizzled Skipper. Shrill Carder Bee is another rare resident.

In May the forest is a spectacular site with a mass of orchids flowering along the rides, later in the summer Evening primrose gives an impressive show. The forest is also the only site in Wales where Round-Headed Club Rush grows in the wild.

The forest also gives a home to many birds, mammals and reptiles. Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Herons and Willow Warblers are amongst the birds. Bats, Badgers and Brown hare are some of the shy inhabitants.

The Forest is a great place to walk and see wildlife.