Cyngor Gwynedd celebrates the re-opening of Parc Dudley nature reserve in Waunfawr

An environmental afternoon of fun is being held to mark the re-opening of Parc Dudley nature reserve in Waunfawr, following significant improvements to access and the planting of more than 500 indigenous trees.

Over the last 18 months Cyngor Gwynedd has upgraded and improved the resources and facilities in the nature reserve on the outskirts of the village of Waunfawr.

With the improvements now complete, an afternoon of environmental fun is being held in Parc Dudley from 1pm on Sunday, 29 October, giving families of all ages the opportunity to head over and enjoy what the reserve has to offer.

As part of the open afternoon, there will be activities to discover nature with local experts; crafts and educational nature activities with 'Wild Elements'; face painting; and an opportunity to learn about the Local Nature Partnership and how members of the public can contribute locally. There will also be fruit smoothies available from local firm, Swig smoothies – free to the first 100 who visit Parc Dudley on Sunday afternoon.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:

"Considerable work has taken place over the past few months to improve the experience for people visiting Parc Dudley nature reserve in Waunfawr.

"Situated on the site of an old quarry, the park bears the name of the Dudley company that owned the site back in the middle of the 19th century.

"But today, it's a nature reserve where you can go for a leisurely walk to enjoy wildlife and it's great to see improvements to the paths at Parc Dudley along with the planting of hundreds of native trees.

"The afternoon of fun will be a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and to discuss with the Council's Biodiversity officers who have been involved in the recent improvements."

With financial support from the ‘Tree-mendous’ fund, significant improvements have been completed in Parc Dudley, including:

• Rebuilding and resurfacing a number of the footpaths to ensure they are suitable and safe access through the site;
• Creating a circuit for visitors in a wheelchair;
• Planting more than 500 indigenous trees on the site in collaboration with volunteers from Bangor University;
• Interpretation work and new signs throughout the site;
• Establishing a 'nature discovery' circuit for young visitors;
• Improved access to the car park.

Councillor Edgar Wyn Owen, who represents Waunfawr on Cyngor Gwynedd, added:

"I am very pleased to see the recent work on the site, including improvements to the paths and the creation of a circuit for visitors in a wheelchair or parents with prams.

"Parc Dudley has been a very popular location over the years, and I hope that this investment will encourage more people to go over and enjoy the nature reserve.

"I would urge families from the area to come along for the afternoon of activities to mark the re-opening of Parc Dudley, it promises to be a very fun day."

All are welcome to come along to the environmental fun afternoon in Parc Dudley on Sunday, 29 October. The activities will start from 1pm. Parc Dudley is located on the outskirts of the village of Waunfawr, along the A4085 just to the south of the village.