We continue to ensure that the woodland is a sustainable environment for wildlife to thrive in. Spaces between the trees are regularly mowed to ensure they make for easy pathways as well as providing foraging areas for bats and barn owls!
The Diamond Wood and Bluestone
We were honoured to have been chosen as a site for the planting of a Diamond Wood in 2012. Bluestone was chosen as one of only 2 sites in Wales and was the first of 60 sites across the United Kingdom to be revealed as a location for the woodland to be planted in commemoration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Bluestone has always been proud of its connection with and protection of the natural world around us. The Diamond Wood joined the surrounding Canaston and Minwear Woods as a place for wildlife and fauna to thrive as well as being a place for you to visit to reconnect with nature.
Closest to the resort is Canaston Woods. Just off the main road to Bluestone, running along the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Canaston Wood has many paths and trails perfect for gentle evening strolls or more challenging woodland treks. Amongst the trees, Canaston Woods is home to ancient history. The Knight’s Way, an ancient route between St David’s Cathedral and Amroth, runs straight through the woodland.
Sections of Canaston Woods are joined to our own Nature Trail, which you can discover more of here:
To the North-East of Bluestone sits Minwear Woods. Set between the resort and the Eastern branch of the Cleddau River, it’s filled with a mix of native trees like Oak and Ash, alongside Conifer trees which were planted in the 20th century. Lots of birds can be spotted on the mudbanks of the river too, including Kingfishers and Herons.
Just like Canaston Woods, Minwear has a rich heritage and there are many stories hiding beneath its canopy of trees. Blackpool Mill, a Victorian watermill sits between the two woodlands on the site of an old iron foundry and is a hint at the area’s industrial past. Thanks to its position on the river, Minwear was a source for local industry for centuries with its wood being used as part of shipbuilding and even to make charcoal for the iron foundry.
Taking the riverside route through Minwear Woods will give you beautiful views of the Cleddau, as well as across the estates of Slebech and Picton. You’ll also come across the medieval ruins of the Sisters’ House, which dates from when the parish was granted to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in 1150. Closer inland, you can visit the beautiful 12th-century Minwear Church. A Grade II listed building dating from the Norman era although much of the building is now covered by a 19th-century restoration.
We are proud to have added the Diamond Wood alongside the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire. Planted in celebration, the Diamond Wood will now forever stand and flourish in commemoration of the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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