After studying at Bangor University in the 1980s and working on tree conservation projects in Africa, Stephen and Andrea Bristow decided to establish an "environment education project to tell people about trees and forests from all over the world and raise awareness of the importance of forests" in Wales.

After raising money to build a slide, which opened in 2001, the park grew in popularity, with over 60,000 visitors that year.

[3][4] The Green Dragon ride at the park is the world's first "people-powered" roller coaster, powered only by the weight of the riders.

[11] Managing director Stephen Bristow appeared in court in 2015 accused of not carrying out sufficient risk assessments for the ride.

[15][16] Stephen Bristow, managing director of the park, received an MBE in the 2009 New Year Honours for services to the tourist industry in North Wales.