Thomas Johnes was passionate about trees, recognising their beauty and value to the environment. He was a pioneer in upland forestry, planting larch and other species of trees over the large areas of moorland in and around the Hafod estate. Over three million trees were planted in five years, with Johnes winning gold medals from the Society of Silviculture in 1800, 1801, 1802, 1805, and 1810 for this work. He introduced a diverse range of tree species to enhance the beauty of the estate and create a habitat for wildlife. Johnes emphasised the importance of native trees, incorporating many of them into the woodlands. Oak, beech, birch, and rowan trees were planted, forming the backbone of the estate’s new woodland environment. These native trees provided valuable habitats for a variety of wildlife and greatly increased the biodiversity in the area. The layout of the woodlands and tree plantings was carefully designed. Trees were strategically positioned to frame particularly beautiful views, highlight natural features, and create an overall feeling of peace and awe. Thomas Johnes’s passion for trees, and his dedication to creating a remarkable woodland landscape at Hafod Estate, continues to inspire visitors and conservationists today.
