About the reserve

Facing north and perched on the steep valley side, this former limestone quarry has a cool, shady atmosphere.  Under the trees, the site is filled with lush, green ferns, giving the whole place a magical air – almost as though being deep inside a much bigger woodland. Ash, goat willow and sycamore dominate the canopy, with lots of variety in the understory creating great conditions for woodland birds. The trees open up to reveal a sunny grassland glade, studded with yellow meadow anthills and riotous wildflower colour from cowslips, vetch and knapweed. The views over the valley are stunning and include the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site

Thinning and cutting

The woodland is mostly left to naturally regenerate, with some thinning of the trees to prevent over-shading of the glade. The grassland is cut once a year at the end of the summer when all the flowers have gone to seed. The site is also used by local school children for forest school activities.

Directions

The site is approximately 5 miles East of Llangollen. From the A5 in the centre of Froncysyllte, turn uphill onto Alma Road.  After 300m, take a sharp Left hairpin bend onto School Lane, then the second Right onto Pleasant View. At the end of Pleasant View there is a small car park with space for 3-4 cars.