Coed Plas, is made up of all four designations of ancient woodland. It's northern tip is designated Restored Ancient Woodland site, a large area in its middle section to its western boundary is denoted Ancient Semi Natural Woodland; a strip along its southern eastern boundary is designated Ancient Woodland Site of Unknown Category; a small area on its south western boundary is PAWS (Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site).

The significance of all of this is evident as much below ground as above it, in the soil structure and composition; something that is now coming to the fore in the understanding of how best to manage and conserve woodland.

Above ground, there are lovely specimens of mature oak, beech, sycamore and some ash here; holly and hazel at understory along with young broadleaf saplings.

In the southern section of the woodland there is a stand of conifer; mainly Sitka spruce with one or two Western hemlock and Douglas fir amongst others, also reflecting the PAWS designation of the woodland to the south of Coed Plas.

At ground level several species of fern, such as hard fern, polypodys and male fern amongst others, enjoy the river bank habitat and numerous wildflower are found throughout too, including some indicators of its ancient woodland status, such as oxalis and wood anemone.

The varied habitats of the surrounding area and Allt y Hendre's Ancient Woodland status result in a richness of wildlife, some quite rare. Local wildlife recordings have made note of Lesser and Greater Horseshoe bats, not commonly seen these days, attracted to the wooded valleys and Golden plover are drawn to the mud flats of the Taf Estuary. Other coastal birds such as sandpipers, ringed plovers and egrets can be seen and heard at the mouths of the Twyi and Taf, and red kite are frequently seen circling overhead.

The river is easily accessible in all parts of Coed Plas but in the southern half of the wood the ground levels out on both banks, resulting in a wide flat area dotted with large beech and oak trees, and where the river's flow has created shingle banks.

Access to Coed Plas is excellent, off a quiet minor road.

A public footpath crosses the northern tip of Coed Plas, across a footbridge which gives access across the river and then runs along the outside of the north western boundary of Coed Plas. It continues to finally connect with the Wales Coastal path a couple of miles west of the woodland.

Coed Plas offers a wonderful opportunity for those committed to woodland stewardship and conservation, and as is the case for many woodlands throughout Wales, would benefit from thoughtful management to nurture it into the future.

The number of windblown conifer in the southwestern quarter of Coed Plas could provide good timber for any woodland projects; building a tool store or shelter; or more simply for stacking for firewood.

Its good access, level areas and and interesting mix of habitats also have great potential as a setting for educational projects, perhaps a Forest school.

The villages of Llansteffan and Laugharne are both a short distance, with their interesting respective histories, castles and fantastic beaches.

In Laugharne, you can visit Dylan Thomas' former home, The Boathouse, now a museum, and his writing shed perched above, where it is thought he may have written perhaps three hundred lines of 'Under Milkwood'....!