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Elba Woodlands

The Elba Woodlands are a small area of natural trees that have evolved in a corner of the Elba Playing field site.

The area is steeped in the industrial heritage of Gowerton and was once surrounded by the massive Elba Steelworks that closed down in 1950s and was crossed by many railways. Prior to this, the site was bisected by the Penclawdd, Gowerton, Llewitha Canal that carried coal from nearby Garn Goch to the port in Penclawdd. This closed at the introduction of the railways.

Within the Elba Woodlands is the only remaining section of the canal (fenced off for safety). The trees in the woodland formed part of the towpath. A heritage panel is shortly to be erected.

The trees are natural British trees like Ash, Silver Birch, Hawthorn and Holly, and each spring the floor of the woods is a carpet of British Bluebells and wild garlic.

The woods are used on a weekly basis by the local primary school for nature lessons and the local Friends of Gowerton Woodlands (opens new window) work with the school to provide suitable habitats/seating for their outdoor lessons. They want the woods to evolve naturally, but the main earth paths are maintained on a regular basis for the use of local people and the school alike.

Facilities

  • Earth paths
  • Bin at entrance
  • Car park, toilets and children's playground in nearby 
  • Elba Sports Complex.

Accessibility

Earth/woodchip paths can be wet in some areas in deepest winter.

Access information

Approach Ffordd Beck from roundabout near Tesco on B4295 Gowerton Bypass. Entrance to Elba Sport Centre on left. Car park available. Concrete path alongside asto turf courts leading to school with Woods entrance near bin. Main path leads through the woods and circles the back of the school to return to car park.

Address of site/postcode.

Elba Woodlands, nr Gowerton Primary School, Elba, Gowerton, SA4

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