Hafren Forest

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The Hafren Forest lies North-West of Llanidloes, an ancient market town situated in Mid-Wales. The forest takes its name from the major river which runs through it, the "Afon Hafren" or River Severn in English. Covering around 40 square kilometres, and consisting of mainly Pine and Spruce trees, the forest, planted in 1937, is continually changing with the deforestation and planting of trees. The forest is also home to Bronze Age copper and lead mines, most notably "Nant yr Eira" and possibly "Nant yr Rickett".

[edit] History

The production of the forest, in 1937, involved the purchase of 12 upland sheep farms, including "Rhyd y Benwch" which now forms the base for a car park and picnic area in the forest. Although the farms were not left derelict, they could simply not provide enough accommodation for forest workers. An answer was needed; at first, with the initial small size of the forest, enough local workers could be found. Later, due to the low population density of the area, it was essential to transport workers to the site by "motor lorry" from Llanidloes. This option was obviously unsustainable, and in 1948, the Forestry Commission decided to build a village, specifically for the purpose of housing forestry workers. They employed an eminent architect, Mr T. Alwyn lloyd of Cardiff, to produce plans for a village that would eventually comprise of 80 houses, a village shop, school and hall. As a first development, 20 houses were built on the site, along with 8 more a few miles away: these provided accommodation for half the workers. Construction began in 1949, with the first houses being occupied in 1951. The water supplies for the village, known as Llwyn-y-gog, were provided for with the damming of a nearby mountain stream.

[edit] Present day use

Although the forest is still producing timber for the Forestry Commission, it has also developed as an important local tourist attraction, and habitat for wildlife. The red kite being seen in the area, along with many other birds, plants and animals. There are many walks in the forest, with the addition of many bridleways, making it popular for Mountain Biking and Horseriding, "The Source of The Severn" a popular walk along with "Severn Breaks its Neck" and "The Blaenhafren Falls". The Hafren Forest is also a popular rally location, with many motorcross and 4x4 championships and rally stages being held there.

There is some controversy surrounding the forest and supposed UFO sightings. In 1987, there were reported sightings of "Flying Triangles" and "Strobe lights" being seen over and around the forest, near a British Aerospace facility which was located in the forest. Whatever the past may be for the quarry where BAe was said to have its base, it's now a "Centre for Explosion Studies" in connection with Aberystwyth's Combustion Physics Group.