Cylch Blodeuwedd

Or, a possible ritual site? A photo essay…

We have just spent this afternoon investigating a local woodland owned by the Woodland Trust called “Coed Elernion”, located near the village of Trefor. We discovered that there was a sizeable local wood owned by the Trust after browsing their website for information about one of their recent acquisitions near Dolgellau, and stumbling across their article about Coed Elernion by a very happy accident.

The woodland its self is not ancient; it was predominantly farmland until the early decades of the 20th century. However there are stands of ancient Oak trees amongst the smaller and more common Willow, Birch and Alder.

There is also a large stream running through the wood in a southerly direction: This is crossed several times by little bridges. (Do take care as these can be rather slippery as they’re not exactly new!)

Along this stream run boundary walls which often have mature trees nearby, notably Oak (pictured) and Sycamore.

By far one of the most promising aspects to this wood is that it has two small meadows in it; these are mown reasonably regularly to encourage the large array of wildflowers (and a substantial variety of magical and medicinal herbs) that are present in the area to flourish. These meadows have been planted with specimen trees around the edges. There is a bench, but only one.

The larger of these clearings looks to be ideally suited as a ritual site for future gatherings; the ground is firm and reasonably solid, although slightly sloping in nature.

According to the Woodland Trust’s website, the wood is infrequently used for leisure activities; something we did notice in the time we were there, as we only saw one lady walking a dog.

In parts the wood is rather on the boggy side of things, and as with any grove activity, stout clothes and shoes are recommended.  The Woodland Trust describe the site as having a “natural and undisturbed” nature. This is indeed the case and this is a most peaceful and beautiful place. Its natural regeneration continues with small oak and ash saplings starting to colonise the boggier ground hitherto the domain of Willow and Alder. We even noticed a small Yew tree. Holly too makes a regular appearance.

More information about this wood can be found at: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/our-woods/Pages/about-this-wood.aspx?wood=4174

We very much hope and intend to hold a grove ritual in this wood in the future; grove members will of course be kept up to date on grove events.

Hope these photos have inspired you to check out this sacred place of natural regeneration yourself!