Cefn Ila recently saw the Mayor of Usk and High Sheriff of Gwent join other leading figures from local wildlife and community organisations to celebrate the site’s success since the Woodland Trust (Coed Cadw) acquired it five years ago

Just one mile outside the pretty market town of Usk, Cefn Ila boasts 72 acres of newly planted woodland. Previously used as pasture, the Woodland Trust’s ownership and management has led to the creation of rich native woodland which, as it becomes more established, will serve as a valuable link between existing areas of important areas of ancient woodland that are nearby.

Since 2007, when the Woodland Trust acquired Cefn Ila, 36,000 native trees have been planted thanks to generous donations from the public, various Trusts and the Welsh assembly Government’s PLANT! project, which plants a tree to commemorate the birth of every child born or adopted in Wales.

Ivor Stokes – former curator of the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and historic gardens expert –praised the variety of exotic species that now fill the site’s unique Arboretum. He said of the site

"The 'pinetum' at Cefn Ila contains an incredible mix of conifers along with other trees and shrubs, some of them, such as the Cedars, which are enormous, probably date back to the early decades of the 19th century when Trelawney first acquired the estate. Most of the others were probably planted in the second half of that century following the great influx of new species from the Americas and the Far East. Whatever their origins, this collection must rank amongst the finest in Wales and will be well worth a visit in the future once the Woodland Trust has been able to improve the access. In the meantime a sturdy pair of boots and thorn-proof trousers are needed to be able to appreciate the majesty of these superb trees close up."

With the recent new acquisition the adjacent land surrounding the old site of Cefn Ila House, visitors are now able to enjoy its unique historic gardens, orchard and walled garden, ensuring a truly unique, varied and exciting experience that can be enjoyed by all.

Exciting new ideas for development on the site include a walkway within the dense and exotic Arboretum that will allow visitors to get close to huge giant redwoods and see close-up the poignant remains of the historical lawn terracing and even the old cast iron roller that allude to the site’s past. A new circular walk will be created that goes through the planted woodland and the old parkland that takes in all of features of interest including an old orchard, a purpose built bat house and a walled garden.

Like almost all Woodland Trust woods, Cefn Ila is open for anyone to visit at any time, for free. Find out more at woodlandtrust.org.uk/cefnila