A commemorative woodland is coming to Erddig, and the public is invited to help plant trees.

National Trust Cymru has announced the new design for the woodland, which will be a living memorial to those who have sadly lost their lives during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

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, 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.

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. 

The Leader: Commemorative Woodland at Erddig Commemorative Woodland at Erddig (Image: National Trust Cymru)

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.

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“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.”

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 is inviting people to help plant trees at the commemorative woodland during February half term.

Planting sessions will take place on February 18 and 20 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.”