News & Events
Recent News & Events
A new era for the old shepherds cottage at Coed Nercwys
24.06.2010
Following the footsteps of our ancestors
10.05.2010
Heathland Management moves up a gear
07.05.2010
News
A new era for the old shepherds cottage at Coed Nercwys
24.06.2010
Users of Nercwys forest will be aware of the work that has started on the enclosure in front of the old shepherd’s cottage. The Forestry Commission Wales and the AONB Partnership are working in partnership to bring new life to the area. The old tree stumps that remained in the enclosure since it was cleared of timber 5 years ago, have now been removed, and local craftsman have begun to re-build the tumbled down dry stone wall that surrounded it.
The aim is to turn the small enclosure into a flower rich hay meadow – an important habitat for many plant and insect species. Once the dry stone wall has been fully re-instated, then work will begin to prepare the ground ready for sowing the wildflower seed mix in spring – so it will be at least two years until the meadow bursts into life – but well worth the wait!
The old cottage at the top of the enclosure was knocked down in the early 60’s when the forest was being planted, as it was deemed to be unsafe. It has long remained a pile of rubble, but now it is hoped to recreate the original floor plan of the building. Under the supervision of Fiona Gale, Denbighshire County Council Archaeologist, local schools and local volunteers will be invited to help to carefully remove some of the rubble back to the original footprint. It will then be repointed to safeguard it from any further destruction, and an archaeological survey will be carried out.
We think that it is important to save this little piece of local history, and it will serve as an excellent educational tool for local school children.
Following the footsteps of our ancestors
10.05.2010
Seven schools from Flintshire and Denbighshire travelled back in time during the Denbighshire Walking Festival.
Students from local primary schools traced the steps of their ancestors from Coed Llangwyfan up to Penycloddiau hillfort. Along the way characters from the past showed how the hills of the Clwydian Range were used throughout time,
‘Jack The Grouse’ revealed his role as a Grouse gamekeeper during the age of Queen Victoria. Further up the scene changed to a battle between a Welsh and a Saxon knight on the hillside, fighting over ‘their’ land. The Welshman sent the Saxon ‘back to his pitiful earthwork!’ and he left defeated back to England over Offa’s Dyke. At the entrance to the hillfort, students were stopped by the Iron Age Hillfort Guard, demanding them to explain their trespass!
To compliment the colourful re-enactments of the past, archaeologists from Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust brought artefacts dating back thousands of years. Students had the opportunity to handle the evidence and learn about archaeologists work and why the heritage of the Clwydian Range AONB is so special.
Celtic tile making, Iron Age weaving, helmet and brooch making and ‘woad’ body painting was also enjoyed during these exciting two days.
Heathland Management moves up a gear
07.05.2010
Cuts and burns in the heather on Moel Famau have become a familiar site in recent years, but as you explore further, into the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio mountains, you may notice this heathland management technique spreading. The Heather and Hillforts team have been working with landowners and graziers to try to improve the habitat for grazing animals and wildlife. They have undertaken more than 30 acres of heather cutting and burning on Moel y Parc, Penycloddiau, Moel Arthur, Moel Gyw and the Llantysilio ridge. For more information on this type of management, visit www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
Aerial Bracken Control
04.05.2010
Bracken is an invasive plant in a moorland habitat. In large quantities it covers valuable grazing land for sheep, and habitat for ground nesting birds. It is also a favourite home for disease carrying sheep ticks. Cutting and bruising bracken is common as a method to try and restrict its spread. In the summer of 2008, the Llantysilio mountains received a boost in the effort to control bracken though an aerial spraying programme. The Environment Agency and Countryside Council for Wales agreed the use of the herbicide Asulox which was sprayed on 675 acres of bracken. The expected success rate for bracken clearing is close to 100%. Once removed species such as Heather and Bilberry have the chance to thrive in its place, improving the heathland for wildlife and agriculture.
