The larger trees in the top area of Yellen Wood were felled around 30 years ago after which some planting of oak and sweet chestnut took place with the remaining trees by natural regeneration; these consisting of mostly beech, oak, sycamore and willow. All the trees have flourished in the fertile soils producing an attractive woodland that we have today.

Within the lower, western part of the woodland there are some well spaced towering mature trees that form an impressive canopy, this creates a sheltered ground floor with good open access.

A plethora of flora and fauna inhabit this special place and over time recorded observations of wildlife have included:

Woodland dwelling mammals such as red and roe deer, badgers, foxes and pipistelle bats.

Bird species include wren, treecreeper, nuthatch, jay, great tit and tawny owl.

A variety of butterflies including speckled wood, common blue and red admirals.

Common lizard and toads.

Southern hawker dragonfly and the 'beautiful demoiselle' damselfly.

Numerous plants and fungi includes hard ferns, sulphur tuft fungi plus a variety of plants including the foxglove and bugle.

Located along the western edge is an attractive spring fed stream that flows north to the River Kensey, and then east where it joins the River Tamar to head south to the English Channel.

A recently created pond in the south west corner provides a good habitat for the frogs that frequent the wet woodland area. This will help to encourage other pond dwelling species including dragonflies and damselflies as the pond becomes more established.

Access is from the well-made private track off the A395, which is for the use of the woodland owners and for the occupants of Westdownend Farm.
There is good access within the woodland via a stoned forestry track that follows the top edge of Yellen Wood.

Such is the importance of this natural environment that it carries a special local authority Tree Preservation Order designation aimed at ensuring its continued existence as an important area of woodland. This will also encourage good woodland management practice as the local Forestry Commission representative and Local Authority Tree Officer are on hand to advise on how best to achieve this.

Perfect as a haven for outdoor family enjoyment such as camping overnight, camp fires and stargazing in the clear night skies.

The relaxing environment is good for the soul and wellbeing where forest bathing, woodland yoga and meditation can be practiced in a natural setting.

A small scale sustainable firewood resource can be achived with the practice of coppicing the smaller trees within the upper woodland area - this is a process where suitable tree species are selected such as hazel, willow, sweet chestnut and field maple - and they are cut to the base and allowed to regrow into a multi stemmed tree and then can be cut on a cycle ever few years to provide a long term supply of timber for firewood of woodland crafts.

Having once formed part of the Tregeare Estate, the surrounding area of Yellen Wood is steeped in history. An earthworks at nearby Tregearedown Beacon dates back to the Iron Age. There are records of Tregeare as a surname in this area as far back as 1284 formed from the Cornish word for dwelling (tre) and fort, or castle town (caer).

Tregeare House was built in the late 1700s by Joseph Baron, a family that had lived in the nearby village of Egloskerry (Cornish for ‘Church of Keri). This village was once given away by the first Norman King of England, William the Conqueror, to his half brother Robert Moreton, the Earl of Cornwall.

Yellen Wood is well located with easy access to the stunning north Cornish coast with the surfing beaches of Crackington Haven and Widemouth within a half hour drive. The coastal town of Bude has 2 magnificent beaches. The fishing port of Boscastle is another great place to visit and here you can also visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.

Particulars and plans were prepared by our local manager, Stuart Brooking