Huge old tree stumps have been used to create the stumpery

Using a stumpery - an area of hardwood tree stumps - as a base, the fern collection at Parc Glynllifon near Caernarfon now has over 100 plants.

The plants cover an area previously cleared of the invasive rhododendron ponticum.

Many of the plants come from a private collection on the Llyn peninsula.

The new feature at the park was put together during the quieter winter months and will in time grow to provide an unusual area of interest for people walking in the park's woodland, said Glynllifon park warden Gwynedd Roberts.

The site has been cleared of the invasive rhododendron ponticum and the land enriched with bone meal and compost which is produced at the park.

Tree stumps are placed to create the stumpery which is then planted with ferns and other plants.

A New Zealand tree fern forms part of the collection

They were popular in Victorian gardens and a surviving example is the "secret stumpery" at Prince Charles' Highgrove home.

"The area we've chosen is on the route the colony of lesser horseshoe bats on the estate take when they travel up the Nantlle valley," said Mr Roberts.

"We've made use of hardwood tree stumps from the park to create the setting and then planted ferns such as a New Zealand tree fern which can withstand our winter."

Rare plants

As well as ferns, plant such as the giant gunnera manicata, which looks like giant rhubarb and various non-invasive ornamental rhododendrons have been planted.

The park has made use of a local private collection from a Welsh Historic Garden scheme member on the Llyn peninsula.

"We are very fortunate to have access to this collection because it means we now have quite rare bamboos, for instance, things which you would not come across usually," said Mr Roberts.

The fernery will be used as part of the park's educational programme.