Clocaenog Forest

The Clocaenog Forest is in west Denbighshire and east Conwy, Wales on Mynydd Hiraethog. It takes its name from the village of Clocaenog, near Ruthin.

It is 40 square miles (100 km²) in extent, mostly coniferous softwoods under the control of the Forestry Commission. It was planted in 1905 on what was mostly moorland and many hill farms. It is a highland region, mostly above 350 metres. It experienced a severe winter in 1946/47 with over 150 cm of lying snow on flat ground recorded at Clawdd-newydd (a nearby village), and there was another hard winter in 1962/63. It is also one of the last mainland strongholds of red squirrels in Wales.

There are high points which rise above the tree level, affording views of Snowdonia and Arenig Fawr to the west, the Berwyn Range to the south, the Clwydian Range to the east, and the Denbigh moors to the north. The highest point in the forest is 'The Mast' at Craig Bron Bannog 501m (1,644 feet).

Wildlife includes many birds, including the crossbill which are adapted well to the conifers. Nesting platforms have been built at the top of bare trees. There is also an enclosed area where wild horses (Przewalski's Horses) can be viewed. In addition, there are several examples of ancient remains, including at least one stone circle and the 'credstone', an ancient worship site.

Streams run through the forest, including the source of the River Clwyd; Llyn Brenig lies on the western flank, and there is a spectacular waterfall – until now, one of Wales' best-kept secrets.

In March 2002, a 47-year-old man with schizophrenia by the name of Richard Sumner died after handcuffing himself to a tree in the forest and throwing away the key. He wasn't found until April 2005, when a woman and her dog found his skeleton. It was believed he struggled to break free after scuff marks on the tree were found.

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Wikipedia