Landmark tree cross to be felled

The cross is a prominent landmark on the mountainside at Abergwyngregyn

A well-known woodland landmark off the A55 in Gwynedd is to be felled as part of a tree replanting scheme.

The staggered cross of conifers at Abergwyngregyn, near Bangor, was planted in 1957, as an experiment in providing shelter for upland sheep.

It has attained mythical status, with many people believing it is a memorial of some sort from WWII.

A spokeswoman for Bangor University said the coniferous trees would be replaced by native species.

"There are many local misconceptions about the staggered-cross shape," said Elinor Elis-Williams, from Bangor University.

"These include that it was a target for air force training during the Second World War or that it was a memorial to Canadian Air Force pilots lost in the area during the Second World War, neither of which are true."

Everybody can see it from the dual carriageway, and visitors in particular still seem to think it is a memorial Liam Jones, local farmer

Instead the small forest of non-native coniferous trees above the village of Abergwyngregyn was planted as an experimental windbreak.

It has reached the end of its life however, with the trees falling in high winds.

"The research work based on the staggered-cross forest came to an end many years ago," said Ian Harris, Bangor University's research farm manager.

"We're pleased to be moving with the times and extending the cover of natural woodland in Abergwyngregyn," he added.

The work is being undertaken with the Snowdonia National Park and the plan is to replace the wood with native broadleaved trees further down the valley.

These will include oak, with birch, rowan and hazel and some open spaces left as glades.

"It will improve the landscape, biodiversity and expansion of the native woodland at Aber," added Chris Smith, head of natural environment and forestry with the national park.

Farmer Liam Jones, who lives in nearby Llanfairfechan, said it would be odd without the trees.

"I can see them from my house, and it will be strange when they are no longer there, although I can see there is already a hole where some have fallen or been removed.

"It is well known though, as everybody can see it from the dual carriageway, and visitors in particular still seem to think it is a memorial," he added.