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North Wales Live
2 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
National Trust unveils 'mindful meadow' to boost mental health and help wildlife
A new "Mindful Meadow" has opened at Erddig in Wrexham offering a peaceful, free-to-access green space designed to enhance wellbeing and support local wildlife. The Mindful Meadow site is near Wrexham city centre and features four hectares of woodland with widened and repaired paths. National Trust Cymru have created the haven, helped by supporters, at the once overgrown, six-hectare site near the Felin Puleston Outdoor Centre on Hafod Road. Over the past 18 months, Erddig's ranger, volunteering, and community teams have worked alongside groups including Chester National Trust volunteers, Erddig Youth Club, Erddig Grow, Stepping Stones, We Mind the Gap, Wrexham Young Carers, Kim Inspire, Adferiad, and Ysgol Clywedog. Once filled with impassable routes, the site has been rejuvenated into a vibrant, accessible space that invites visitors to slow down, explore, and enjoy the benefits of nature. Katie Rees-Jones, Volunteer and Community Officer at Erddig, said: 'It has been important for us to work together with community groups who will access the space to ensure we create somewhere that meets their needs along with those of the wider public. "We all need to find some respite at times from the pressures of daily life and the Mindful Meadow gives everyone the opportunity to find some space, beauty and peace.' The team has restored around 250-metres of pathway, creating some accessible routes through the site. Around 40 native trees including oak, rowan and field maple have been planted alongside hedgerows such as hawthorn and spindle. Two hectares of meadow have also been revived: one area has been reseeded with a conservation mix of wildflowers including Yellow Rattle, Eyebright, Yarrow and Red Clover to attract birds and pollinators, while another has been scarified, cut and left to regenerate naturally. At the heart of the meadow stands a vibrant steel and stone sculpture by artist David Setter. Made of stacked positivity rocks, the installation symbolises community support and demonstrates how a place can uplift and support an individual. Free to access and open daily from dawn until dusk, the Mindful Meadow site lies close to Wrexham city centre and features four hectares of woodland with widened and repaired paths. Visitors can also see nesting boxes, a pond, benches for seating with willow screens, way-markers, quiet reflection spaces and flat looped walks - all within easy reach of the nearby Trust's Felin Puleston Mindful Garden and Outdoor Centre. Wildlife is also helped. Steven Dorsett, Area Ranger for Erddig, said: 'With over 97% of the UK's hay meadows lost since the 1930s, protecting and restoring these habitats has never been more urgent. "Hay meadows are vital for biodiversity, supporting a rich variety of wildflowers, pollinators, and endangered species. They also play a key role in improving soil health, capturing carbon, and sustaining traditional farming practices. 'Beyond its ecological value, this Mindful Meadow offers a peaceful space for people to reconnect with nature, and we look forward to the community using it.' The project has been developed by National Trust Cymru and funded by Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, administered by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). National Trust Cymru has also worked in partnership with Public Health Wales's Hapus project, which aims to help people in Wales protect and improve their mental wellbeing.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
New mindful meadow opens near Felin Puleston in Wrexham
The six-hectare site, near the Felin Puleston Outdoor Centre on Hafod Road and just outside the city centre, has been developed by National Trust Cymru. The project is designed to help people connect with nature while supporting wildlife and environmental goals. Katie Rees-Jones, volunteer and community officer at Erddig, said: "It has been important for us to work together with community groups who will access the space to ensure we create somewhere that meets their needs along with those of the wider public. "We all need to find some respite at times from the pressures of daily life and the mindful meadow gives everyone the opportunity to find some space, beauty and peace." The meadow was created over 18 months by Erddig's ranger, volunteer, and community teams in collaboration with groups including Chester National Trust volunteers, Erddig Youth Club, Erddig Grow, Stepping Stones, We Mind the Gap, Wrexham Young Carers, Kim Inspire, Adferiad, and Ysgol Clywedog. A once-overgrown area has been transformed into an accessible space for relaxation and exploration. The team restored 250 metres of pathway and planted around 40 native trees, including oak, rowan, and field maple. Hedgerows of hawthorn and spindle now line the site. Two hectares of meadow have been revived, with one section reseeded using a conservation mix of wildflowers such as yellow rattle, eyebright, yarrow and red clover to attract birds and pollinators. The other section has been scarified, cut, and left to regenerate naturally. At the centre of the meadow stands a steel and stone sculpture by artist David Setter. The artwork by David Setter in the Mindful Meadow at Erddig, Wrexham (Image: National Trust Images Paul Harris) The artwork, made of stacked positivity rocks, symbolises community support and the power of place to uplift individuals. The site is free to enter and open daily from dawn until dusk. READ MORE: Flintshire zoo park celebrating birth of adorable camel calf Steven Dorsett, area ranger for Erddig, said: "With over 97 per cent of the UK's hay meadows lost since the 1930s, protecting and restoring these habitats has never been more urgent. "Hay meadows are vital for biodiversity, supporting a rich variety of wildflowers, pollinators and endangered species. "They also play a key role in improving soil health, capturing carbon and sustaining traditional farming practices. "Beyond its ecological value, this mindful meadow offers a peaceful space for people to reconnect with nature, and we look forward to the community using it." The project was made possible through funding from the Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action. National Trust Cymru also partnered with Public Health Wales's Hapus project, which promotes mental wellbeing across Wales.
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wildlife doodle workshop at Loggerheads Country Park
The event, organised by Nature for Health, will take place on Thursday May 29 and will feature a range of activities, including an interactive art installation by illustrator and artist David Setter, known as Doodleplanet. The artwork was commissioned through funding from the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics scheme, which supports local authorities and national parks in improving visitor infrastructure at key tourism destinations across Wales. The fund aims to enhance the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and promote environmental sustainability by investing in essential amenities. Visitors on the day can enjoy a variety of activities, including a doodle workshop where participants can explore various drawing techniques, such as drawing games, speed drawing, and continuous line drawing. They will also have the opportunity to watch and learn from David as he demonstrates his drawing techniques, offering tips and tricks to help create wildlife masterpieces. All materials will be provided, and participants will be able to keep their artwork as a unique memento of the day. Councillor Alan James, lead member for local development and planning, said: "This workshop is perfect for all ages and skill levels. "Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, come along and enjoy a day of creativity and fun in the beautiful surroundings of Loggerheads Country Park. "Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and unleash your inner artist." The event will take place in The Gallery at Loggerheads Country Park from 11am to 3pm. For more information, email or book on Eventbrite.
