And the whole community has had a say in the £131,000 Coedlan Cymunedol Bryn Meurig, paid for by Cydcoed – Woods for All, the Forestry Commission Wales programme funded by the European Union (Objective One) and Welsh Assembly Government.

The revitalised path was officially opened last Friday by Alun Ffred Jones AM, with new paths and interpretation panels, a picnic area and new open spaces.

"Improving the health of this ancient woodland will also help improve the health of local people," said Bob Griffiths of Cydcoed. "And with more people using the wood – volunteer groups have already carried out a river clean up, and otter holts built – there will also be a reduction in vandalism. It is a real asset to the Ogwen Valley."

The project was run by Cyngor Cymuned Bethesda, in partnership with other local councils, landowners, local people and schools, with a specially appointed project officer making sure everyone has the chance to play a key role in the woodland's development.

The new paths allow disabled access to the wood and the picnic area provides a focal point for the wood. New fences have made the site safer and other works have opened up sections of the wood which had been inaccessible.