National Trust Cymru have shared the final design of one of Wales’ new commemorative woodlands at Erddig near Wrexham. People are being invited to help plant trees at the woodland which will be a living memorial to those who have sadly lost their lives during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Located in North Wales, the woodland will be for remembrance and reflection, but also to give a future green space for everyone to continue a much needed, beneficial connection with the natural world for ever.
The newly released design shows how the nine hectares of land located at Hafod, on the southern edge of the Erddig estate, will be transformed over the coming year, subject to planning permission being granted. Once completed later in the year the woodland will become a public space, open for everyone to enjoy and form part of the National Forest for Wales network.
Informed by community engagement sessions and stakeholder input several key requirements for the woodland have emerged, shaping the final plan into several zones, each with a specific focus:
For people, a welcoming entrance area rich in flora will connect the commemorative woodland to the existing car park. At the centre a large grassland meadow will give an open-air social space for picnics, events and activities. In the summer months mown paths will create an immersive experience for visitors as wildflowers bloom.
A permanent community space will allow for the creation of allotments and an orchard full of fruit trees. Natural play and engagement with nature will be encouraged in an explorer zone, and for contemplation, a special quiet zone will have a water feature as a focal point.
National Trust Cymru’s Assistant Director of Operations, Jeremy Barlow said:
‘We are honoured to be progressing with the creation of one of Wales’ three commemorative woodlands. We are proud to be supporting the Welsh Government in aiding our nation’s recovery from the pandemic and thank all who have contributed to its design.
‘Providing places for people to connect with nature, beauty and fresh air is at the heart of what we do as a conservation charity. This safe and accessible green space close to Wrexham will give local people, communities, and visitors a special place to remember those lost to Covid-19 and benefit from time spent in nature.’
Flat, wide accessible paths suitable for wheelchairs, trampers and buggies will connect the different zones. Existing footpaths will give further pedestrian access and allow for exploration of the surrounding countryside. Bike racks at the main entrance will be available for cyclists and an active travel path will join up with the wider active travel network.
For nature, small, wooded sections will be densely planted and left entirely for wildlife. Trees and shrubs will provide homes and nesting spots whilst also helping reduce noise and pollution from the neighbouring road.
A second meadow will act as a food source for pollinators and protect evidence of a historical ridge and furrow meadow. Scattered ponds, hedgerows and wooded glades will add to the variation of vital habitats created for amphibians, mammals and birds to thrive.
The woodland will have a theme of ‘resilience’; a fitting symbol of the strength the people of Wales have shown over the past year and will play an important role in supporting nature’s recovery and our fight against the climate crisis.
The Trust are inviting people to help plant trees at the commemorative woodland during February half term. Planting sessions will take place on the 18 and 20 February and must be booked in advance by visiting the Trust’s website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/erddig
The tree species used will be able to adapt to the threats of pests, diseases and a changing climate with the majority being native broadleaf varieties that are historically and culturally linked to the area.
Climate Change Minister, Julie James said: ‘These woodlands will provide a beautiful natural environment for families and communities to pay their respects, contemplate in stillness and connect with our vibrant nature. Once the woodland is open later in the year, I invite everyone, especially all those local to Erddig and anyone who sadly lost a loved one to covid, to visit and enjoy watching it change and grow.’
Two further commemorative woodlands are being created in partnership with the Welsh Government: Natural Resources Wales’ Brownhill in Carmarthenshire and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Ynys Hywel. All three commemorative woodlands form part of the of the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme.
