Plymouth Great Wood
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What you see in front of you is part of Plymouth Great Wood.
A semi-ancient woodland, it’s called Plymouth Great Wood because it used to belong to the Earl of Plymouth who lived in St Fagans Castle.
The Earl of Plymouth and his wife were very interested in the woods, in gardening and in trees.
They even had several exotic trees planted on the estate, some of which you may spot if you keep an eye out!
During the First World War the woods were used by the government.
Many of the older trees were cut down to provide timber for the war effort. This wood would have been used as fuel but also to build trenches, shelters and railways.
Once the war ended, the Earl of Plymouth decided to donate the woods to the council and only kept a small area for his private use.
Today these woods still belong to Cardiff Council.
They are open to the public and are home to lots of different wildlife – woodland birds, frogs, newts, butterflies, moths, bats, hedgehogs and many more!
They are also full of plant life – fungi, ferns and beautiful carpets of native bluebells in the spring.
Nowadays the woods are a perfect place for some for quiet reflection.
Why not close your eyes – listen to the birdsong and the leaves rustling in the breeze. Stretch out your hand and feel the bark of a tree. Imagine everything that tree has lived through.
The trees that you see before you have protected us and provided for us in hard times. They have helped people make a living, shaped our land and still support us and our wildlife today.
Welcome to the Everyday Life trail!
St Fagans is a living history museum where you can explore the past and learn about how people lived….
Winters at St Fagans
Every Christmas the Earl of Plymouth would give his tenants meat and throw a party for all the school children…
Derwen Bakehouse
Derwen Bakehouse was built in Aberystwyth in 1900 and moved to the museum in 1982…
Local sports teams
Sport is a big part of Welsh life. It is part of the national identity, a source of national pride…
Oakdale Workmen's Institute
Workmen’s Institutes were a big part of mining communities in Wales between the 1880s and 1930s…
Plymouth Great Wood
This semi-ancient woodland has its name because it used to belong to the Earl of Plymouth…
Life at Llwyn-yr-Eos
The farmhouse was built in 1820. It wasn’t moved here like other buildings at the museum; it was built where it stands…
Project funders
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Secret Garden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to work with adults with learning disabilities and other additional needs to explore the rich history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage and nurture its garden.
