The western sector of Coed Pentre was clearfelled some years ago and replanted with Sitka spruce, which is growing on successfully. The remainder, and the majority of the woodland is a mix of well-spaced Sitka and Norway spruce and various broadleaf with some wonderful veteran specimens; mainly oak, some glorious beech, some birch and a small quantity of ash at the northern fringes much of which has succumbed to ash die-back and is ready to be felled for onsite firewood.

There is holly dotted throughout and hazel and hawthorn to the fringes. There are a couple of clumps of laurel and rhododendron in the mid-section towards the northern boundary which would need to be kept in check, but are attractive when under control. In the southeastern corner of the woodland is a stand of Grand fir.

Surrounded by fields and away from any big roads, the larger woodland Gallt Sena of which Coed Pentre is a part, is a wildlife haven. There are some large, very long-established badger setts in areas of the larger woodland, and red deer have been spotted wandering through which is fairly unusual in this part of the world. Birds proliferate and early butterflies take advantage of the many wildflowers springing up: bluebells (of which there are a multitude in Coed Pentre), wood anemone, oxalis, blue and yellow speedwell, pink campion, and celandine.

There are numerous hidey-holes indicating small woodland creatures here, and the bird song is fabulous. The three streams in Pentre Wood are a wildlife magnet and the mixed habitat of conifer and broadleaf also provides diverse sustenance.

Ancient woodland designations.

Three beautiful streams.

Mature beech and oak in glorious setting.

Carpets of bluebells in spring.

Very private and quiet, apart from the rushing streams.

Small stone ruin.

A long, stoned track brings you from the public road to the woodland, via the locked main entrance gate. The last section of the track, from where the left fork is taken, is a steep climb uphill and we would recommend 4 wheel drive only, especially in winter months or wet weather.

The main shared access track of Gallt Sena (the larger woodland of which Coed Pentre is a part) is a designated bridle way which continues along the north eastern perimeter of Coed Pentre, or along the right fork.

The initial part of the main access track is also a public footpath, although there is no public footpath running to or through Coed Pentre itself.

As is the case for all our woodlands, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the woodland.

The most tempting activity in Coed Pentre is to sit under a majestic beech tree, close your eyes and listen to the rushing of the stream and the birdsong.

However if you really had to do something, there is rhododendron and laurel to keep under control, a small stone ruin which could potentially be rebuilt, and if required, a more substantial foot bridge could be constructed over the stream for easier access into the woodland.

The Shell House, or the Cilwendeg Hermitage, is an extraordinary grotto, a rare survival in West Wales, which underwent careful and beautiful restoration in 2003.
It was built in the late 1820s by Morgan Jones the Younger, who inherited the Cilwendeg estate upon the death of his uncle (a lighthouse baron!), and created the Shell House in his uncle’s honour. Cilwendeg Mansion was designed by John Nash.

The surrounding area of the Cych valley is also rife with myth and mystery. One of the portals into the mystical realm of Annwn, or the Otherworld as described in the famous Welsh myth tetralogy, the Mabinogion, is said to be located nearby at the Ffynnone Falls, although I believe it may be under the beech tree by the stream...

The stunning Cardigan coast is within easy reach, and the towns of Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn are both within half an hour's drive with all amenities, great pubs, cafes, and independent shops, but even nearer is the Nag's Head, a mere walk away in Abercych itself!