Description: Coed Derw Dau has interesting potential as woodland, forest garden, and maybe One Planet Development (OPD). Big Wood, the larger woodland of which it is a part, is located on the brow of a hill which means the whole area of land benefits from good exposure to sun and light and Coed Derw Dau also benefits from being protected on three sides by thick woodland. A line of shrub as well as mature standard trees on its northern boundary also afford shelter.

The large central area is mainly given over to grasses, bracken and bramble at the moment, but a variety of broadleaf trees are gradually establishing themselves, and could be encouraged and supplemented by planting, or removed for growing food.  Along the western and northern boundary there is some semi mature growth of oak, ash and birch among other broadleaf.

Standing proud of their surroundings are two superb mature oaks for which the wood is named, each host to their own complex universe of creatures and micro creatures.

This land could either provide a great opportunity to increase the existing wooded areas with more native broadleaf planting, or it could be an exciting opportunity to create something more along the lines of a productive forest garden, and may be suitable for One Planet Development.

Good access and its flat level nature make it a practical and inviting option for any other forestry enterprise.

Access: Coed Derw Dau is accessed over a very good stone track, that winds through Big Wood.  There is a section of that track that is quite steep, and it is likely that a four wheel drive vehicle is necessary to be able to drive all the way to the wood. There is an area where a car could be parked just inside the main entrance gate to Big Wood.

The M4 and M50, both within easy reach, make the woodland very accessible.

Public access: None

Sporting rights: Included.

Mineral rights: Included, except as reserved by statute.

Covenants: in common with the neighbouring woodlands, there is a covenant designed to ensure that all can have quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their woodland.

Local area and history:  Nearby Raglan has pubs, shops, post office and petrol station as well as a fantastic castle and Abergavenny as well as the Brecon Beacons National Park are a short drive away.

Big Wood was once part of the Cefn Tilla estate. Cefn Tilla Court, the 16th century house of the estate located in nearby Llandenny, was given to the 2nd Lord Raglan, Richard Somerset, as a testimonial to the services of his late father, Field Marshal Lord Raglan, who had been Commander in Chief in the Crimean War.

Boundaries: The southern boundary is the main access track. The western boundary is delineated by a storm ditch running along its length. The northern boundary is fenced from adjoining farmland, and the eastern boundary is the edge of the adjoining woodland, and also marked by a line of stakes, further indicated by blue paint.

Photographs: were taken in March 2022 and August 2023.