The ancient woods of Plas Power are important for wildlife.

Wildflowers such as wood anemone, sweet woodruff, bluebell and yellow archangel that are all indicators that the woodland has been here for a very long time can thrive once again under the lighter canopy of the broadleaves. Old tree stumps covered in moss and ferns add character to the wood and provide useful homes for minibeasts. The Woodland Trust bought Plas Power and Nant Mill Woods from the estate in 1988 with the aim of restoring them back to semi-natural woodland. The shape of the woodland has changed little over the years but it had become known locally as Black Wood because of the dark, foreboding conifers. The Trust is gradually removing many of these conifers and the rhododendron, together with some of the beech and sycamore. Natural regeneration of native trees and shrubs such as oak, ash or rowan is encouraged which will help the woods have a more natural feel. Today the woods are calm but never silent as the river tumbles noisily over the rocks. In spring the tree canopy is full of birdsong and if you’re lucky you may hear a woodpecker drumming. In summer birds and animals are busy feeding their young while butterflies enjoy the warmth of the sunny glades. Autumn is the time when mysterious fungi are most likely to appear and the woods have a lovely, earthy smell. Winter is the quietest time for wildlife but soon the first green shoots and catkins emerge, heralding the return of spring.