Frog Pond Wood Local Nature Reserve

Frog Pond Wood is a hidden gem. It’s great for short walks, as you’ll feel that you’re in the heart of the Welsh countryside despite it backing onto an industrial estate. The wood is mainly mixed oak/ash woodland, with a pond and some wetland areas. It is three point two hectares large. We manage it so the local community can access nature.

Nature trail

The 840 metre trail is quite flat with some slightly muddy and uneven sections. There are no steps.

Plant species:

• ash
• greater spearwort
• hartstongue fern
• hazel
• sessile oak

Animal species:

• broad-bodied chaser
• common frog
• damselfly
• dragonfly
• great tit
• moorhen
• nuthatch
• pipistrelle bat
• wood mouse

If you spot these or other species, please take a photo and show us via social media.

Nature keeper statue

This park features the Keeper of the Pond.

Local history

The wood has a fascinating connection to our industrial past. Look out for the long straight path along the reserve’s eastern edge, which was once a horse drawn tramway. The tramway, known as the Dyffryn Llynfi and Porthcawl Railway, opened in 1828 as a horse-drawn tram road. It brought the Llynfi Valley’s iron and coal to the coast. The new dock that opened simultaneously in Porthcawl was an integral part of the new transport system.

In the 1860s, a steam-powered railway replaced the tram. You can follow the old tram road which has been redeveloped as a picturesque, family-friendly trail. Look out for QR codes at points along the trail which bring the railway story to life.

Location:

There is limited free parking at Pyle Enterprise Centre, and a public car park behind the doctor’s surgery on Bridge Street in Kenfig Hill.

Volunteer or take a school trip here

If you want to support this site, make an educational visit, or do countryside volunteering in general, please contact us.

Contact

Related links

• Visit us, home
• Nature reserves
• Tree management
• Volunteer on a green project