OUR STORY
About Us
A landscape shaped by centuries, stewarded with care for generations to come.
Characterised By Its Unspoiled And Picturesque Beauty
Merthyr Mawr is a small, picturesque village nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan, just outside Bridgend in South Wales. The village is renowned for its charming thatched cottages, many of which date back centuries, set along quiet lanes flanked by ancient stone walls and lush hedgerows.
The estate stretches across a remarkable landscape where the Ogmore and Ewenny rivers converge, creating a unique environment that supports an extraordinary range of habitats. From the river meadows and ancient woodlands to the 840-acre Warren — home to Europe's second highest sand dunes, including the famous Big Dipper — the estate is a place of genuine natural wonder.
Designated as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Merthyr Mawr Warren is one of the most important conservation landscapes in Wales, supporting rare plant species, invertebrates, and birdlife that thrive in this unique dune ecosystem.
840 Acres
National Nature Reserve
The Warren is one of the most important conservation landscapes in Wales — home to rare orchids, fen raft spiders, and over 30 species of butterfly.
13
Scheduled Monuments
From Neolithic habitation sites and medieval stepping stones to the ruins of Candleston Castle — the estate holds layers of history stretching back millennia.
30+
Film & TV Productions
A landscape so versatile it has doubled for deserts, forests, and everything in between — from Lawrence of Arabia to modern productions.
Sustainability And Conservation
As custodians of a National Nature Reserve spanning 840 acres, we take our responsibility to the natural environment seriously. The Warren is home to a remarkable diversity of life, including rare orchids, fen raft spiders, and over 30 species of butterfly.
We work closely with Natural Resources Wales and conservation bodies to manage grazing regimes, control invasive species, and maintain the delicate balance of the dune system. Scrub clearance, controlled grazing by native ponies and cattle, and sensitive land management practices all play their part in preserving these habitats for future generations.
Our Commitment
The estate's dedication to heritage preservation and environmental stewardship runs through everything we do.
Merthyr Mawr is not simply a place to visit — it is a living landscape with deep roots. From the medieval ruins of Candleston Castle to the ancient stepping stones across the Ogmore River and the Grade II listed thatched cottages of the village, every corner of the estate carries a story.
We are committed to protecting this heritage, not behind glass but as part of a working, breathing landscape. Our approach is one of careful stewardship — maintaining historic buildings, supporting traditional land management practices, and ensuring that the character and tranquillity of this place endures for generations to come.
Community Engagement
The estate has long been a gathering place — and we are proud to host events that bring people together in nature. The Between The Trees Festival, held annually in Candleston Woods, has become a highlight of the South Wales cultural calendar, offering live music, family activities, and woodland adventures in a truly unique setting.
Beyond festivals, we work with local schools, community groups, and nature organisations to provide educational visits and guided walks. We support partnerships that help people connect with the landscape, learn about the natural world, and understand the importance of conservation in their own backyard.
Whether it is welcoming volunteers for habitat restoration, hosting charity events, or simply keeping the footpaths open — we believe in being a good neighbour.
Future Goals
Continuing to balance heritage preservation with providing memorable experiences for all who visit.
Our vision for the estate is one of thoughtful growth — enhancing what we offer visitors while never compromising the landscape that makes this place so special. From new accommodation options and improved walking trails to expanding our outdoor wellness experiences at the Candleston Spa, every development is guided by the same principle: to share this remarkable place responsibly.
We are investing in sustainable infrastructure, exploring renewable energy opportunities, and continuing to develop partnerships that support both the local economy and the natural environment. The goal is simple: to ensure that Merthyr Mawr remains a place of beauty, calm, and discovery for the next two hundred years, just as it has been for the last.
Gratitude for running Between The Trees Festival at Merthyr Mawr / Candleston Woods. It's such a uniquely beautiful place.
Dawn Woods