Latest news with #NationalTrustCymru
North Wales Live
4 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
4 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.
North Wales Live
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
6 places in North Wales to enjoy a ‘summer of play' with the whole family
The summer holidays are just around the corner, which means endless opportunities for fun, shared experiences with the whole family. And if you're looking for inspiration, you're in luck. There are a number of places across North Wales, cared for by National Trust Cymru, that have an incredible programme of activities and events coming up. Sponsored by Starling Bank, the Summer of Play events* will run throughout the summer holidays, and are the perfect chance to get outdoors, explore, and make special memories together. Read on for a glimpse at some of the places and activities you won't want to miss this summer… Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham This summer, go on a Big Play Adventure at Chirk Castle. Explore nature-inspired zones and unleash your creativity by designing your own obstacle course or building a den. Finish your adventure by climbing the straw bale lookout posts to admire your creative efforts from above. On selected weekends, you can even have a go at archery** and fencing. Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham Step back in time and experience the garden at Erddig through the playful eyes of Philip and Simon Yorke, the children who once called Erddig home. Dress up and take to the lawn to put on a performance before enjoying traditional garden games, including large dominoes, skittles, and badminton. Plus, don't miss Storytelling Wednesdays with Jake. Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey Take the perfect summer photo on the big green armchair at 1Plas Newydd's garden, before seeking out poetry pebbles to compose your own poem and competing in your very own sports day. Inside the house itself, dress up, spin, and dance in the music room. On Wednesdays during the summer holidays, the garden is open late until 8pm. Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor Why not make the garden and grounds of Penrhyn Castle your playground over the summer holidays? Show off your talents on the performing stage, test your building and creative skills in the construction zone, and get the whole family involved in racket games. With plenty of places to picnic amongst the meadows, Penrhyn Castle is the perfect place to kick back and relax on a warm day. Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool Enjoy a fun-packed summer's day on the great lawn at Powis Castle. Test your speed in a sack race, try your balance on the balance beam, or hop like a frog across the lily pad. If you're feeling sporty, you can even challenge your friends and family to a game of football, badminton or volleyball. Bodnant Garden, Conwy Experience Bodnant Garden in a whole new way as Aardman Animation brings its most famous characters to the beautiful garden with 'Wallace & Gromit: All Systems Go'. The perfect way to get everyone outside this summer, help Wallace and Gromit by completing a variety of activities and games around the garden using a fantastic new Augmented Reality (AR) trail. Following the release of the new movie 'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' earlier this year, the beloved characters will be familiar to kids and parents alike.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Wales Online
National Trust Cymru invites you to a packed summer of fun
Experience an exhilarating adventure-filled summer at enchanting locations across Wales. Throughout the school holidays National Trust Cymru is providing endless opportunities for fun for all the family*. Whether you're exploring lush gardens, embarking on scenic hikes, or simply enjoying a picnic in the sun, it's the perfect time to create unforgettable memories together. Let laughter fill the air as you connect with nature and each other in beautiful, cherished spaces. Sponsored by Starling Bank, exciting events are taking place, so discover what's happening near you and embrace the great outdoors with family and friends. Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff (Image: National Trust Images/Aled Llywelyn) Let the games commence! Head to Dyffryn Gardens this summer to hop, skip and jump your way to being the Dyffryn champion. Find all sorts of games and sports dotted around the gardens including badminton and table tennis, perfect for keeping the whole family entertained. Tredegar House, Newport This summer enjoy an unforgettable trip to the seaside in the heart of Newport, complete with colourful beach huts. Build sandcastles together in the giant sandpit, post a 'seaside postcard' at the mini post office, lounge in a giant deckchair and let your imagination run wild in make-believe spaces. Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire The perfect place to play - The Oak Yard is back for a full summer of family fun. Splash about in water play, make house in 'Sied Dwt' and run wild in the spaces designed with kids in mind. Inside Newton House design your own castle or settle down for a board game or two. Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion This summer Llanerchaeron offers an action packed day for the whole family. Zoom around the estate on balance bikes, explore the grass maze in the walled garden or get to know the animals on the farmyard. Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool (Image: National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra) Enjoy a fun-packed summer's day on the Great Lawn at Powis Castle. Test your speed in a sack race, try your balance on the balance beam or hop like a frog across the lily pad. If you're feeling sporty, challenge your friends and family to a game of football or volleyball. Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire This woodland garden is perfect for a summer day out exploring nature. Enjoy soft archery and games in the meadow every Tuesday before heading up to the sky gazing glade at the top of the woods to watch the clouds float by. Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire Spend a day by the Welsh coast this summer with a visit to the Stackpole Estate. Pack a bucket and spade and head for the golden sands of Broad Haven South, go on a self-led trail and tick off the trust's '50 things to do before you're 11¾' as you explore the wildlife-rich lily ponds. Aberdulais, Neath Open from July 24 to August 30 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, little explorers will delight in the outdoor games, craft activities and playing make-believe with a themed dressing-up box. Rhosili, South Gower Coast Keep everyone entertained during the summer holidays and get sporty at Rhosili. Pick from a wide range of games and activities from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 21 to August 31. Discover more exciting days out near you here at *Summer of Play events are free, but normal admission charges apply for each venue. National Trust members and under 5s can enter for free
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Three popular Welsh beaches bring in new ban
Three popular Welsh beaches bring in new ban National Trust Cymru wants to protect wildlife and the coastlines with a new initiative The rugged shores of Porth Darfarch, Anglesey (Image: John Miller/National Trust ) Three popular beaches in North Wales have been declared "smoke-free zones" in a bid to protect the natural environment and prevent wildfires. Visitors to these scenic spots will now notice new signs as part of the voluntary initiative, gently urging them to put out their cigarettes and enjoy the fresh sea air smoke-free. The beaches – Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, and Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd – are under the care of National Trust Cymru and were chosen for their "environmental significance" with backing from RSPB Cymru. National Trust Cymru is championing smoke-free beaches as a means to safeguard wildlife and coastal areas by minimising environmental litter. Ash Wales Cymru highlights that cigarette ends rank among the most discarded items globally, posing a significant hazard to marine life and ecosystems. The charity warns that over time, cigarette butts disintegrate into microplastics, releasing harmful chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and formaldehyde into delicate marine habitats. By deterring beachgoers from smoking, there's also the benefit of protecting youngsters from second-hand smoke and discouraging them from starting the habit. Article continues below Supporting the initiative is Sarah Murphy, minister for mental health and wellbeing. She commented: "Our ambition is to create a smoke-free Wales by 2030 and creating more smoke-free spaces is one way to achieve this." "It is important we work together to limit the harmful effects of smoking as well as the associated health and environmental risks to our beautiful landscapes." In March 2024, Benllech and Trearddur Bay on Anglesey became the first smoke-free beaches in North Wales, following in the footsteps of Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon and Little Haven in South Wales, reports North Wales Live. Last year, Spain took a firm stance against smoking and vaping on beaches and restaurant terraces to combat the littering of cigarette butts. France has been implementing similar bans since 2011, and Italy and Greece have also introduced stricter anti-smoking measures. The new smoke-free zones in North Wales are not only popular with holidaymakers but are also vital for wildlife. Cemlyn, located on the north coast of Anglesey, boasts an internationally significant colony of Sandwich terns. It's also a hotspot for Arctic and Common terns, and occasionally, the elusive Roseate tern makes an appearance. Cemlyn is recognised as having the UK's third-largest colony of terns, with approximately 1,500 pairs. The pristine water quality is essential for their survival. The area is protected as both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its ecological importance. Porth Dafarch, nestled on Holy Island's Anglesey, is renowned for its ancient rocky cradle teeming with choughs - the crow family's rarest members, easily spotted by their red legs and beak. The surrounding waters are a sanctuary for seals and porpoises alike. Just as enchanting, Porthor Beach is acclaimed for its melody producing "whistling sands" and serves as a bastion for an array of avian species including Choughs, Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags, and Yellowhammers, while welcoming seals and dolphins to its shores. National Trust Cymru's project manager in North Wales, Dewi Davies, remarked: "We work hard to look after these special places." Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The emphasis on conservation is strong, with Davies urging: "We are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials. They could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire." To mark the establishment of new smoke-free zones, Porth Dafarch will host a celebratory beach clean on Thursday, June 19, involving pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Kingsland in Holyhead. The initiative aims to shed light on the impacts of discarded cigarette butts on marine ecosystems. Positioned at the vanguard of the smoke-free beach campaign are the National Trust and ASH Wales, buoyed by a swell of public approval in Wales. Recent polls indicate a significant 56% national endorsement for coastal smoke bans, with even more emphatic backing from the locals of Anglesey, where 87% support the measure. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "With 325,000 people in Wales still smoking, we must do everything we can to help them quit while creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Article continues below "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first."
