A FESTIVAL to celebrate the precious ancient woodland of the Elan Valley is being held later this month.

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre plays host to the Woodland Festival on Saturday, June 18, between 10am and 4pm, organised by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and the Celtic Rainforest LIFE Project, including partners RSPB and the Woodland Trust.

After a successful first year, the Woodland Festival will be brought to the Elan Valley. This free one-day event is being held to celebrate the precious ancient woodland in the Elan Valley and to highlight the ongoing work the project is doing to preserve these internationally important habitats.

This year’s festival will be bigger and better, with music, a range of food stalls selling locally-made produce, woodland crafts and information stalls.

There will also be a chance to find out more about the local woodlands and the animals and birds that live there, with guided walks and talks by people working in the area. In addition, this family-friendly festival will offer free workshops and activities for both adults and children.

Julia Harrison, from Celtic Rainforest LIFE Project partner RSPB, said: “This festival will be a celebration of all things Celtic Rainforest, from ancient trees to rare lichens and spectacular woodland birds.

“It will showcase the hard work the Celtic Rainforests LIFE project is doing, working with the Snowdonia National Park Authority, RSPB, Coed Cadw and Dwr Cymru to restore and preserve these precious woodlands. The Elan Valley is the perfect venue where our collaborators can offer something to engage and inspire all. It will be a great family day out.”