In Shotton, Deeside, turn into Wepre Road at the traffic lights by the
Somerfield Supermarket. After about 1 Kilometre, turn left into Wepre Park.
Although close to town, a walk through the delightful woodland can yield
some surprising results.
Dipper Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher inhabit the stream,
while 3 species of
Woodpecker, Nuthatch,Treecreeper, various Warblers, Pied and Spotted
Flycatchers,Tits and Finches can be seen in the woodland.
and wet meadow
and it's diversity of habitat is responsible for a wide range of Birds, Mammals, Butterflies
and Flora. More than 50 bird species have been recorded at this site. Ddol Uchaf is on the
site of a disused "tufa" pit, a rare form of limestone formed from calcium carbonate leached
by streams flowing from Halkyn Mountains. This area is now a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific
Interest). It is an area of woodland containing wet meadow, streams and ponds and is also
diverse in the extent of it's wildlife.
On the stream, Dipper, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail breed, while in the
woodland, most of the common resident Tits and Finches can be found,
augmented by northern migrants such as Brambling and Siskin in winter.
Other residents include, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Woodpeckers and Goldcrest
with Warblers, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and Blackcap as
summer visitors.
In the forest birds species are similar to those in
Cloceanog. On the moor, Pipits, Skylark, Wheatear and Whinchat are
common in summer with possibility of Ring Ouzel, Red and Black Grouse.
Erddig Park
Erddig Park is a National Trust property on the outskirts of Wrexham.
There are many entrances well signposted from the Wrexham Bypass and
from within the town. A fee is charged for entrance to the well
appointed walled gardens and Erddig House, a sumptuously decorated and
furnished mansion, previously the residence of Squire Yorke, benefactor
of the town.
Entrance to the parkland surrounding the grounds is free and
open year round. The park consists of extensive woodland and grazing
meadow, with a small lake and many brooks and streams. A diverse
selection of birds are to be found amongst the mixed habitat. Common
woodland species are joined by migratory thrushes, Fieldfare and Redwing
in winter. Dipper, Wagtails and Kingfisher are found on the streams.
The Lake is only a few years old but an increasing list of birds may
be found here including Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Teal, Swan, Little Grebe,
Great Crested Grebe, Ruddy Duck and Snipe.
Clocaenog Forest
This is an extensive area of coniferous woodland southwest of Ruthin
covering over 50 Sq. Kilometres of moorland. Owned by the Forestry
Commision it is interlaced with dirt track roads, cycle ways and
footpaths. Access can be gained at many points on the B5105. There is
picnic site and Visitor Centre (SJ037511) between Clawdd Newydd and
Cerrigydrudion. Common birds include Goldcrest, Coal, Blue Tits,
Chaffinch, Warblers, Redstart, Siskin and Redpoll. Occasional
irruptions of Crossbill occur through the year. Sparrowhawk and Kestrel
are common raptors, with Buzzard and Raven often seen here.
Ceiriog Forest