Rhosmaen Crug was probably established as a wooded area during the 1950s when the Forestry Commission planted many areas with single species of conifers to quickly establish a reserve of timber.
After the clear-fell of sitka spruce at this site in 1997, mainly mixed broadleaves were planted over 3 years, including sessile oak, ash, downy birch and wild cherry, plus a few conifer species and some woody shrubs such as hazel and holly. Over 4,500 trees were put in of more than 20 different varieties. Conditions were not suited to the ash trees, but despite the soil being acidic, many of the trees survived. Some were overshadowed by the faster growing sitka spruce that restocked itself in a number of areas. A timeline summaries this.
With more volunteers helping on site plus funding, much progress has been made recently to enhance the woodland. The Project section summarises this.
After winter storms, in particular Storm Darrah in December 2024, some windblown conifers were cleared allowing light to areas with previously struggling shaded trees. Ground flora soon appeared.
