Grid Reference: SH 845784.
This prominent woodland stretches across the slopes behind the town of Colwyn Bay. The wood is almost entirely deciduous with a variety of native trees and exotic species such as sweet chestnut and firs. Mature trees impart character to the woodland whilst two streams provide an attractive feature as they forge their way through deep dingles in the ancient part of the wood. Birds to be seen and heard in the wood include jay, buzzard, nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker, treecreeper and tawny owl.
The name Pwllycrochan is thought to translate to mean ‘Cauldron Pool’, no doubt inspired by the stream that runs down the steep wooded dingle. This would have at one time flowed much faster, creating well oxygenated, bubbling water. Pwllycrochan Woods was declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 2000 along with the establishment of a Management Advisory Group (MAG). This group oversees management of the LNR, whilst taking account of the various interests that apply at the site. The Management Plan sets out the aims for the effective management of this Local Nature Reserve and details how those aims will be achieved.
King’s Drive and Llanrwst Road divide this 21 ha site into three parts. Access points to the middle part of the woodland have interpretation panels. These help to explain its history and wildlife while using a map to illustrate a number of waymarked circular trails.
Countryside Publications
The Countryside Code
Pwllycrochan Woods
Pwllycrochan woods' discovery trail