In January 2010 GWT intends to restore large areas of woodland habitat on Wyeswood Common to re-connect its fragmented copses and hedgerows. Thousands of native broadleaf tree saplings will be planted which, together with areas managed for natural woodland regeneration, will cover an area of approximately 5ha.

Ultimately, in the years to come around a quarter of the site will be wooded. This will provide invaluable habitat for many of Gwent’s threatened species including the dormouse, hawfinch, silver-washed fritillary and many more.

Following advice from the Welsh Deer Initiative and the Woodland Trust, deer fencing will be erected to surround the largest planting block on the lower reaches of the Reserve. This will provide the new saplings with protection from browsing animals, particularly fallow deer which are present in high numbers in the area.

Without the new fencing it is doubtful the majority of saplings will survive.  Smaller blocks of planting, nearer Pentwyn Farm, will be protected from grazing livestock with stock netting and tall tree guards.