Open days at Tycanol National Nature Reserve will offer a chance to explore and learn about one of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s most treasured woodland gems.

Tycanol is one of seven National Nature Reserves in the National Park and the open days on Friday May 16th and Saturday May 17th will reveal what lives there, how the woodland is managed and how the timber is used.

The event is organised by Natural Resources Wales, which manages the site, in partnership with the site owner Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Local businesses will be demonstrating how traditional woodland products are made, and visitors will have a chance to try out some of the techniques themselves.

There will also be guided walks explaining the history of the woodland management and revealing some of the 400 species of lichen for which the site is designated a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Paul Culyer, Natural Resources Wales’ Senior Reserve Manager, said: “Tycanol has been managed by people for centuries for timber, wood fuel and to graze animals.

“Our open days are a chance to find out how our woodland management work today benefits a sustainable local timber industry as well as Tycanol’s wildlife.

“The woodland was much more open in the past. Today, when we fell trees here and open up the canopy in places, it lets in light which favours the lichens. But we can also use the felled timber to make fencing stakes and other products, helping local businesses continue the wood fuel and timber trade. Importantly, we are also maintaining part of our natural heritage.”

Celia Thomas, the National Park Authority’s Woodland Officer, added: “Not only is Tycanol a magical, evocative place for a walk in the National Park, but it is also a very productive little place – for wildlife and for people. Because of the way it is managed, nothing here is wasted and we’d encourage people to come to the open day to find out more of its secrets.”

Tycanol National Nature Reserve is part of the North Pembrokeshire Woodlands Special Area of Conservation.

The open days are free and run from 10.30am to 5pm. There is no need to book and parking is available at Tycanol Farm, Brynberian.