Erddig

Site has Moved

2006-10-08T08:09:00.000+01:00

Please note that this website has moved - find it at www.erddig.com - please come and visit!

Are our Ladybirds Under Threat?

2006-06-14T02:30:00.000+01:00

According to conservationists our native British varieties of
Ladybirds are under threat from a foreign invader.

The harlequin species arrived three years ago from continental Europe. Ladybirds which are particularly under threat are the seven spot and the two spot, which until recently were common, and also the rarer five spot.

Bigger than the British varieties, the harlequin threatens them by taking their food – it has a huge appetite for greenfly, leaving little for native ladybirds who then starve - and when the food runs out they will eat the other ladybirds. It also damages crops by eating fruit.

The insect – originally from South-east Asia – will also prey on other types of insects, eating butterfly eggs, caterpillars and lacewing larvae.

How to spot a harlequin…
Harlequins tend to be rounder in shape than most UK native species. They are about 5-8mm in size – similar to the common seven spot. It has a white plate with a big black M-shaped marking on it, just behind the head. They may be orange with between 15 and 20 spots. Others may be black with two orange or red spots. Some have also been seen which are black with four orange or red spots.

Erddig Rumours...

2006-06-11T09:10:00.000+01:00

Long before Erddig became accessible to the general public, rumours would abound about the big house hidden in the midst of hundreds of acres of parkland.

One rumour was laid to rest when Phillip Yorke took part in the BBC Welsh Home Service 'Town Magazine' programme in November 1949. At the time, whenever Erddig Hall, Wrexham cropped up in conversation the ‘fact’ that the hall ‘has 365 windows, one for each day of the year’ was almost bound to be mentioned.

Alas it wasn’t true but “What it certainly does possess” said Mr Yorke, “Is a room for every week in the year, a bedroom for every day in the month and a staircase for every day in the week.”

In the interview Mr Yorke also told of the gallery of portraits of servants, a quaint and unusual feature of Erddig, and at the time the only gallery of its kind in England and Wales. It was a custom started in 1700 and each servant was portrayed carrying the emblem of his occupation - the butler had his wine bottle, the gardener his spade and a woodman who was in the Denbighshire Yeomanry carried a sword as well as an axe.

The Yorkes actually had more portraits painted of their staff than of their own family, and also wrote lengthy inscriptions for them in verse, which led to them being regarded by their contempories as whimsical to say the least.

At the time it was the norm for a country house owner to have expensive portraits painted of his horses or prize winning bulls – they were, after all, the product of careful breeding like their owners - to extend the treatment to generations of servants led to the Yorkes being considered an extremely eccentric lot.

The Hedges at Erddig

2006-06-08T03:26:00.000+01:00

The hedges at Erddig are an important component in the structure and form of the parkland at Erddig.

Old hedges contain an interesting variety of plant and animal life and are important in providing shelter and food for all manner of wildlife including birds, mammals, insects and plants. When in flower the hedges are particularly attractive to the many butterflies found at Erddig.

It is very rare for a hedge to contain a tree that is older than itself – a fact that can be a way of estimating a hedge’s minimum age. If you can date the tree you can therefore date the hedge.

Whatever its origin an old hedge will contain a greater variety of woody shrubs because they seed themselves along it in the course of time. This also gives us a way of dating hedges.

If you pace 30 strides along one side of the hedge, count how many different woody species of trees and shrubs that you see. Don’t count ivy, brambles or climbers and count all roses as one. Work out the average number per length and multiply it by 100 to give you the approximate age of the hedge in years.

National Trust Plans for New Village at Erddig

2006-06-04T07:03:00.000+01:00

Proposals are underway for a new National Trust development in Rhostyllen. The new development on Wrexham Road has been initiated by the National Trust. It will follow the layout of a traditional village with homes ranging in size from one to five bedrooms (25% will be affordable housing), community rooms, a shop and a tea room.

The land is on the perimeter of the Trust's Erddig estate and outline planning permission to develop it was granted to the National Trust in 2004.

The Trust hopes that the development will raise sufficient funds to ensure long term conservation and maintenance of the house and country park.

A Picnic with some of Erddig's Feathered Visitors...

2006-06-01T07:33:00.000+01:00

The Outsider had a lovely picnic today in the car park at Erddig. We were joined by a robin, several mallards, and a crow.

Contrary to the Outsider’s previous posting on crows being fearless creatures, this poor soul didn’t stand a chance against the troop of hungry mallards. Perhaps he was outnumbered, but despite his reputation the ducks certainly weren’t afraid of him.

The picnic was followed by a walk through the Big Wood where we met Duke, the shire horse, giving some people a carriage ride through the grounds.

This is a beautiful area, ideal for a leisurely stroll through the woods, or, for the more serious walker who wants to go further, there are plenty of paths to explore. Erddig really has something for everyone.

Ospreys and Crows

2006-05-30T16:19:00.000+01:00

On holiday The Outsider went to see the Ospreys nesting at Glaslyn, near Portmadog. These magnificent birds can be viewed from a hide and also on a webcam.

Information given by volunteers at the site is fascinating. It is amazing that the female, when lying on the chicks to protect them, would often be attacked by crows. Despite being much smaller, crows are fearless creatures, and will attack the female osprey so that they can steal the chicks. One wonders if they know the Osprey do not pose such a threat to them as, unlike the crows, ospreys only eat fish.

At Erddig we are more likely to see crows nesting high in the trees, particularly by the car park at Felin Puleston.

For hundreds of years crows have been regarded as vermin. They have been poisoned and shot and now survive where they can.

They eat a variety of food including birds eggs and carrion. However contrary to folklore they rarely (if ever) attack living young lambs.

They have quite a laboured flight and their call is a hoarse kraah repeated three or four times.

The Coed-y-Glyn Estate, Erddig

2006-05-28T07:14:00.000+01:00

In 1972 the National Trust were granted planning permission for the residential development of 63 acres of land on the Erddig estate. The land, now the Coed-y-Glyn Estate, lies on the left hand side of Erddig Road approaching Erddig Park lodge gates and stretches across to Sontley Road. At the time the land was farmed by two tenants of the Erddig Estate.

The National Trust were negotiating with the owner, Philip Yorke, to take over Erddig Hall and the plan was to sell the land to raise funds for the renovation and maintenance of Erddig.

The land was eventually sold in three lots on 7th June 1973 for £995,000. George Wimpey & Co. paid £435,00 for 25 acres; Maxwell Homes £420,000 for 28.94 acres and J.E. Parry (Rossett) Ltd. £140,000 for 9.2 acres.

Most of the main building firms were represented at the auction in the conference room at the Crest Motel, but many people were surprised than the land didn’t raise more money.

Houses on the Coed-y-Glyn Estate now sell for an average of about £260,000.

Holidays

2006-05-19T23:15:00.000+01:00

The Outsider is off on holiday for a week - please call back again next weekend :)

Erddig Yew Trees offer hope of Cancer Cure

2006-05-17T22:19:00.000+01:00

Erddig has many yew trees. Although the foliage (but not the berries) is highly poisonous, the clippings from the Yew trees at Erddig have been used to make the cancer treatment drug Taxotere.

The foliage of the yew trees, collected from Erddig, along with other National Trust properties, was sent to Germany to be made into the drug. The trees contain an anti-cancer agent with can be extracted though a complicated chemical process.

The one and a half tons of annual clippings collected from Erddig would make more than 60 single treatments of the life-saving drug.

Taxotere is given as an infusion over one hour. It is used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer where chemotherapy has failed or is inappropriate. It is also used for non-small cell lung cancer where first-line chemotherapy has failed.

The Wrexham Walking Festival

2006-05-14T16:43:00.000+01:00

Explore some of the wonderful walks on your doorstep this May with Wrexham Walking Week which starts today.

Wrexham's first ever walking festival will run from Sunday May 14th until May 21st. The walks are suitable for all ages and abilities and have been put together by Groundwork, The Ramblers Association, WI and Wrexham Countryside Services.

Wrexham has some fantastic places to walk, whether through one of the country parks, villages or a long distance ramble, there really is something for everyone.

For more information about events about Wrexham Walking Week contact Hannah Jones on 01978 363555. Programmes can be downloaded from the website.

Erddig: The Smallest Parish?

2006-05-11T06:34:00.000+01:00

Back in May 1964 the Leader the leader reported that Wrexham Rural District comprised 25 parishes, covering an area of 72,370 acres.

With a population of 62,338, compared with todays figure of over 130,000; it had a rateable value of nearly £1.5 million. Erddig parish, it reported, 'has the astounding grand population total of 17'.

With it's rolling 287 acres of parkland on the outskirts of the borough, it had a relatively miniature rateable value of £2,649.

Erddig did not bother with such idiosyncrasies as parish councils, and did not have an individual representative on the parish council - the representative for Marchweil also took in the parish.

It did, however, have an annual parish meeting, often attended by no less than three parishioners. Rumour had it that they were the chairman, a local landowner; the vice-chairman, and the clerk, a local farmer. The meetings generally didn't last very long.

Walk 11: Erddig and Essless Park

2006-05-10T05:05:00.000+01:00

Entering the park from the Wrexham end of Erddig Road, after crossing the first bridge, bear right up hill to the cottage (Erddig Isaf) at SJ 326 489.

Pass through a kissing gate and onto a single-track road. Follow the road up hill to the junction of the tarmac surfaced road.

Cross the road and over a stile then follow the hedge line across the field. If you look to your left here you will be able to see Bersham Colliery.

The path ends by kicking up hill to a stile. TAKE CARE. The stile leads directly onto the A5152 (Wrexham Road) – so dogs need to be on lead before reaching the stile.

Cross the road with care as you appear to emerge straight from the hedge!!

Follow the road opposite as if you are going into the housing estate but at the farm bear right down hill to cross the bridge at Essless.

(If you want you can follow the Clwedog trail at the bottom of the hill by turning left over a style into a very muddy field.)

Continue over the bridge and back up hill to meet the B5099. Turn left and follow the road. TAKE CARE as traffic is usually quite heavy.

After approx 400m, after the entrance to Foxwood housing estate there is a path turning left leading down to the rear of the houses.

Follow the path, which then crosses the railway line so TAKE CARE again looking and listening for trains (there are warnings posted and it is easy to see along a straight section of track).

After the railway follow the path down hill and at the rear of the Cash and Carry warehouse.

The path emerges back at the A5152. Cross this busy road back into the park at Felin Puleston.

The 17th Century Barn at Felin Puleston

2006-05-05T16:00:00.000+01:00

The 17th Century barn at Felin Puleston was donated to the National Trust by Mr Warburton Lee in 1977.

It was dismantled and moved from Redbrook Maelor near Whitchurch, and re-erected at Erddig.

The barn is thought to have been the meeting place for secret religious services during the reign of Charles I.

It is made of hard ships wood and every beam was morticed and pegged together.

Youths working on a job recreation scheme helped experts in rebuilding the barn. The aim was to use the barn as an agricultural museum.

While out walking in Erddig today...

2006-05-05T00:05:00.000+01:00

Seen while out walking today...

A great spotted woodpecker hammering away high up in a dead tree. Rarely seen on the ground, these beautiful birds hack away loose bark to reach beetle grubs and other insects. However the loud drumming they make in spring is a territorial signal, made by knocking on a dead branch. They bore their nest holes 3 metres or higher up a tree.

This fabulous fungi, which the Outsider thinks is Oyster fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, growing on a dead fallen down tree.

Primroses, Primula Vulgaris usually found in the damper areas of the woods. Used in ancient times to treat paralysis and gout, the primrose was believed to be a flower originating in Paradise. Name comes from the latin prima rosa, meaning first rose of the year.

Wild garlic, or ramsoms, are strong smelling plants which tend to pick out the heavier soils amidst the seas of bluebells.

Bluebells can be damaged just as much by walking on them as picking them. If the leaves are trampled on the bulb starves without them - so always stick to the paths through the bluebell woods.

Walking in Erddig 1779

2006-05-03T23:07:00.000+01:00

This notice from 1779 invited the public to enjoy the pleasure of Erddig Park:

MR. YORKE having at a great Expence, and
the labour of many Years, finished the Ground
and Wood Walks about Erthig, desires to
acquaint his Neighbours, that they are
extremely welcome to walk in the same for
their Heath and Amusement; All he requires
is, that they will enter and return by the Paths;
That they will not disturb the Grass or Turf;
That they will not pull any of the Flowers, or
meddle with the Trees or Shrubs; Mr. YORKE
is satisfied that all the better sort of People
will most readily comply with his Wishes in
this respect; In regard to any loose and
disorderly Persons misusing his Indulgence,
and wearing irregular Paths and Thoroughfares
or doing other mischief, He has given orders
to the Servants who are constantly in the
Grounds, immediately to turn such Persons
out, to obtain their names, and to send them
written notice to keep out of the Walks for the
future, and Mr. YORKE has left general
directions with his Attorney, to prosecute all
Persons so offending as Trespassers, whenever
they attempt at any time again to come within
the Grounds.

Walk 10: The Big Wood

2006-05-02T08:05:00.000+01:00

For this walk start at Sontley Road car park. Walk out of the car park and turn right. Go up the hill. The road bends round to the left then bears right again and you will see a kissing gate on your right. Go through the gate and onto the path. You will see a farm on your left. Follow the path for approx 200 metres until you see the sign post then turn right. It is easy to miss this post and walk straight past so watch carefully!

From here you can look down through the trees across Frenchmills meadow and the lake. At the base of the hill is the River Clywedog.

Follow the path down the hillside to the bottom.

You will need to duck under or step over a few fallen trees! This part of the walk can be very muddy and when the river floods this area is inaccessible.

Continue along the path through the wild garlic and when it forks take the left hand path.

The path will lead you back up the hillside.

When you reach the top stay on this path to the end when you reach a T-junction(parts of this path are in parallel with the original path you started on). Turn right and follow the circular path around the woods.

At one point you will see a path drop down to your right and a National Trust sign for Wristleham Castle. Continue along the same path until you come to another T-junction and turn left (alternatively here you can turn right and drop down the hill to Erddig Road and the Cup and Saucer).

Follow this path and you will see Erddig Hall behind the wall on your right. Turn left at the pond then right.

You are now back on the path that you started on and can follow it right to the end and it will take you back to where you started

Bluebell Heaven at Erddig

2006-04-30T15:53:00.000+01:00

The delicate blue flowers of the bluebell have for centuries heralded the onset of spring. Take a walk through Coed-y-Glyn wood between Sontley Road and Erddig Road to see these flowers at their beautiful best.

However the British bluebell is under threat and could disappear from our woodlands within ten years as it gets squeezed out by a Spanish invader.

According to conservationists the native flower could be wiped out by the hardier Spanish variety which is rapidly taking over our woodlands.

The Spanish bluebell, which is scentless and paler than the British variety, was introduced to British gardens more than 300 years ago. But recently more and more of the plants have started creeping out of flowerbeds and into woods and forests where they have cross bred with the native variety.

The resulting hardy, quick growing hybrid, along with the Spanish invader, threatens to eradicate the British variety by 2016.

Studies have revealed that one in six woodland areas is now home to a mixture of native, Spanish and hybrid bluebells.

The Wildlife Trusts is urging gardeners to shun the Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides Hispanica and to choose instead the traditional British variety, Hyacinthoides nonscripta. John Everitt, Head of Conservation at The Wildlife Trusts, says that the horticultural trade has a duty to ensure that bluebell bulbs are accurately labelled, and gardeners should not plant Spanish or hybrid bluebells in the countryside or near native populations.

British bluebells also face an uncertain future due to the long term effects of climate change. Warmer winters mean that they will be in danger of being crowded out by other plants flowering earlier than usual.

The immediate threat though is from habitat loss and the demand for bluebells for gardens, which has led to digging up of wild bluebell bulbs. It is illegal, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, to dig up the bulbs of wild bluebells and dealers face heavy fines for selling them.

The changing climate and hybridisation will change the British bluebell as we know it.

Visit this BBC site for more information.

Walk 9: Wat's Dyke and the Highland Cattle Walk

2006-04-30T07:06:00.000+01:00

From Erddig Hall follow the road that leads out of the park towards Hafod Road. There is a small lodge on your right (before Bryn Goleu Cottage).

Just after the lodge there is a style on the left hand side of the road. The style isn’t obvious and is formed from a strengthened part of the fence but there is a waymarked post in the field just over the style.

The footpath follows Watts Dyke (on your right) across the field. In this field you will often see Highland Cattle and Belties – more commonly seen in Dumfries and Galloway!

In the corner of the first field the path crosses the dyke and you then follow it on your left. There are some very boggy areas as you follow the dyke to the road at Sontley Country Cottages (if you wish you can continue to follow Watts Dyke all the way to Ruabon).

When you meet the road turn left to Middle Sontley (SJ 325 469). The road bears left and ahead is the gate to a bridleway. Follow the bridleway back into the park. Caution this can be very muddy and very overgrown particularly in summer.

The bridleway path comes out at to exit near the smaller lodge at SJ 325 477. You can then head back towards the hall and pick up Erddig Road again.

Walk 8: From Erddig Road

2006-04-30T06:33:00.000+01:00

For this walk head south down Erddig Road. Pass the Cup & Saucer (on your right) and go over the cattle grid on the road.

Follow the road until it starts to climb and there will be a gate into the field on the right. There are often horses in the field here so dogs should go onto a lead.

Follow the path alongside the leat and across the field to a kissing gate in the corner. This field can be very muddy.

Go through the gate and follow the path up a hill to the road near a lodge. The lodge allows its chickens to run free so again dogs on leads.

Go through the kissing gate on the opposite side of the road and then follow the old roadway towards the hall where you can get back onto Erddig Road again.

Working away

2006-04-23T07:11:00.000+01:00

The Outsider will be away for a few days working in sunny Bournemouth - please call back next weekend. There's lots more information and walks to be added so watch this space...

Keep dogs under control at Erddig

2006-04-21T22:49:00.000+01:00

Two sheep were attacked by an Alsatian this afternoon in Frenchmills meadow near Sontley Road, one of which suffered serious injury and had to be destroyed.

The warmer weather and bank holidays sees an increasing number of visitors across the park which is still at the height of its lambing season.

It is critical that dog owners are responsible during this very sensitive and important time.

Owners need to exert proper control of their dogs and ensure that they are kept on leads when on land near livestock. Lambing is now well underway and will last until the end of May.

The lambing season is very important to the areas farming community and landowners can legally shoot a dog found chasing their livestock.

This is obviously distressing to everyone concerned. When out walking please don’t allow your pet off a lead when you are near livestock and keep it under close control at all other times. Livestock will often see your dog as a threat, even if it isn’t.

Walk 7: Erddig West View and Black Brook.

2006-04-20T22:23:00.000+01:00

This is a great walk with lovely views. It takes about one hour. Follow Erddig road to the Cup and Saucer. Cross the wooden bridge that leads to the Cup and Saucer and look for a kissing gate in fence opposite.

Go through the kissing gate, turn left and follow wide path to a gate (at SJ 324 483 for those in the know). Bear South West up the hill.

There is a great view of the Hall from here especially in autumn when the front of the hall is covered in red leaves.

Once at the top of the hill you will see an obvious path leading towards a farm. Follow the path down the hill to a footbridge across Black Brook and a gate.

Go through the gate and follow the hedge line up the hill to to a stile. After stile bear SW again towards the tree in the corner of the field and a kissing gate in the extreme SW of the park. You will arrive at the lodge and can follow the road back into the park.

How to date a tree

2006-04-18T07:03:00.000+01:00

This is a simple way of estimating the age of a tree:

Measure the distance around the trunk (the girth) at head height (approx 1.5m from the ground).

If the tree is growing in a wood, close set to other trees, and with a straightish trunk then every 1.25cm (1/2 inch) of the girth = 1 year of age.

If the tree is standing by itself out in the open, with widespread branches then every 2.5cm (1 inch) of the girth =1 year of age.

This is only a rough guide but better than chopping the tree down to count its rings!

Philip Yorke and his fish and chip supper.

2006-04-17T06:32:00.000+01:00

Many visitors to the hall will have watched on video the grand occasion in 1977 when Prince Charles opened Erddig Hall to the public.

The day before the opening, Squire Yorke showed Prince Charles around his renovated former family mansion. Philip Yorke then ended his grand day with his favourite meal - fish and chips with a few friends at his terraced house on the main road at Ruabon.

Although the National Trust provided a flat at Erddig Hall for Mr Yorke, he admitted that he preferred to be at his new home. The 72 year old squire had spent seven and a half years living on his own at Erddig and was now content living at the spartan No 5 Tai Clawydd in the centre of Ruabon. Despite the heavy lorries rumbling past he was quite happy as his favourite fish and chip shop was close by, and he was also only a short distance from the Post Office, Church and grocers. With the railway close by too he felt that he had everything that he needed.

It had been four years since he donated Erddig to the National Trust along with 2,000 acres and several farms. Many Wrexham people were surprised at his style of life. They still viewed him as the wealthy lord and master of this huge estate, yet he was very much a man of the people and quite happy settling into his little terraced home.

He was also happy that Erddig, which had been in his family for over seven generations, and a part of our national heritage, had been preserved for all foreseeable time.

In a letter to the Evening Leader he said "Erddig is a kind of oasis in the middle of a swiftly developing industrial area, and I think there is a silent majority who hope it may always remain so..."

Walk 6: The Wild Pig Walk.

2006-04-15T14:28:00.000+01:00

This is a longer walk taking approx. 2 hours but watch out for the wild pigs!

(Alas it seems that this sign was put up just to add excitement for the visitors, and may well have been removed by the time you do the walk. The Outsider has been informed from a very reliable and official source that there are definately no wild pigs in Wrexham. Oh well it's still a good name for the walk... )

For this walk start at Kingsmill. Go round the back of the building and follow the path alongside the river as it goes under the road. You will emerge into open fields and you will see the National Trust information board.

Continue along the path by the river until you get to a green bridge. Cross the bridge and enter Bryn-y-cabanau wood.

Follow the footpath on the south side of the river going in the same westerly direction. After approx. 300m you can bear left up a hill towards a new house after going over a stile. The footpath crosses a maize field and ends up near a house at the rear of Marchwiel Hall.

The path comes out onto a road. Turn left and continue until the road joins the road from Croes-y-mab. Then turn right and go past the Marchwiel Cricket Club. (If you were driving from Wrexham to Marchwiel this road is the right turn after passing Bryn-y grog Hall on the right).

Rejoin a footpath on the right where the road swings left (see picture). Look on the map to see the path in relation to the road.

The path passes a clay pigeon shooting area then bears right. Here you will see a large yellow and black sign with a picture of a ferocious looking boar's head with the warning 'WILD PIG - EXTREME DANGER'. The largest wild mammal reportedly spotted here was a hare. Whether there really are wild pigs in the vicinity the Outsider cannot be sure. If anyone does spot one please let us know!

The footpath is well marked with WCBC signs and signs the landowner has put up stating the Countryside landowners Association (CLA) welcomes responsible walkers.

The path drops down to Gefeiliau Brook, again well sign posted. Continue to follow the signs - you will cross two more stiles and find yourself back in a maize field and obviously out of the wooded area.

The footpath returns onto Sontley Road near Sontley Lodge Farm. Turn right and pick up the footpath through the kissing gate on the left, through the avenue of trees to the rear of the farm and back into Big Wood.

Continue along the path in the same direction until it drops down by the cup and saucer. Turn right onto Erddig Road and continue down the road over two bridges. Just after the second bridge turn right and follow the River Clywedog back to Kingsmill (you will cross Sontley Road again).

Thanks to Mark Jones for suggesting this walk - and several others which will be added soon.

Spring at Erddig

2006-04-14T06:16:00.000+01:00

Now spring is here there is so much to see while out walking. Not only the spring lambs but the abundance of wildlife in the Erddig woods and parkland.

The leaves are appearing on the hawthorn trees and the buds look ready to burst so it won't be long before the hedgerows are laden with blossom.

Keep a look out for red tailed bumblebees as their queens will be coming out of hibernation. They're big (up to 30mm long) and black with orange-red hairs on the end of the body.

There will also be some peacock butterflies winging their way around the park.

Look to the skies for the first swifts with their dark outlines and scythe shaped wings. These birds never perch or rest anywhere other than on the nest - where do they get their energy from!

The woods at Erddig will also soon be awash with some of the best floral displays in the world as the woods become a sea of bluebells. A good area to see them is in Coed-y-Glyn wood between Sontley Road and Erddig Road. Smell the aroma of wild garlic in the air especially in Coed-y-Glyn wood between Erddig Road and Felin Puleston.

Has anyone spotted any frogspawn yet? Spring seems late this year. The Erddig Park Newsletter from 1987 reports seeing the first frogspawn in Frenchmill Meadow on the 3rd March; and the first primrose in Cistern Wood on 16th March.

The Cuckoo should be around now too, and there are signs of badger activity with nesting material being aired in the sunshine.

Frenchmills Meadow, Erddig.

2006-04-11T16:02:00.000+01:00

The water meadows at Frenchmill are in the north part of the estate near Coed-y-Glyn.

It was in 1772 that William Emes was employed to level these meadows, and so transforming what had once been agricultural landscape into parkland.

In 1773 the neighbouring 146 acre Sontley estate was purchased by Philip I; and he had Emes construct the Sontley weir, in part to help solve the problem of flooding on the Sontley Road and bridge.

The lake which can be found in Frenchmills didn't appear until the early 1980s. It was caused by mining subsidence and brought with it a considerable loss of farmland and grazing.

However it now attracts many wildfowl including moorhen, coot, mallard, swans and Canadian geese.

It is now one of the most interesting areas in the countrypark and an ideal educational resource.

The Erddig Walks

2006-04-11T06:48:00.000+01:00

Many of the Erddig walks can be linked together to make longer walks. Some more walks, including some longer walks will be added soon so get those boots out and get walking!

Walk 1: A Short Walk from Felin Puleston.

Walk 2: A Short Walk from Sontley Road.

Walk 3: Sontley Road to Kingsmill.

Walk 4: The Big Wood and the Pleasure Grounds.

Walk 5: The Wat's Dyke Walk.

Walk 6: The Wild Pig Walk.

Walk 7: Erddig West View and Black Brook

Walk 8: From Erddig Road

Walk 9: Wat's Dyke and the Highland Cattle Walk

Walk 10: The Big Wood Erddig

Walk 11: Erddig and Essless Park.

Philip Yorke I and his Incredible Sneeze.

2006-04-06T15:15:00.000+01:00

The first Philip Yorke (1743-1804), well known as the author of "The Royal Tribes of Wales" (published in 1799), was also well known for having a sneeze that resembled "the report of a musket".

One Sunday he was sitting in Marchweil Church and an elderly man, who was sitting behind him, fell asleep during the sermon. Suddenly, and without warning, Phillip Yorke gave one of his shattering sneezes.

The discussion at the time had been about the safety of the church tower, which was about to be repaired, and the poor man who had fallen asleep thought it had collapsed. He fell to the ground in fright and died, apparently of shock, a few days later.

Thereafter Phillip Yorke was often heard to say that he was the only man who had ever sneezed another to death!

Erddig Walk 5: The Wat's Dyke Walk

2006-04-05T14:28:00.000+01:00

This walk starts at Felin Puleston and takes about 30 minutes. It is unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, young children or anyone unsteady on their feet, especially in wet weather.

From the car park go over the bridge towards the industrial estate and go through the kissing gate on your right. Follow the path alongside the river Clywedog. Go straight on until you reach the kissing gate by the old millstone. Go through the gate and carry on along the path to the next kissing gate. Turn right and follow the path; the river Clywedog will still be on your right and Coed-y-Glyn wood to your left.

Carry on until the path brings you to the kissing gate onto Erddig Road. Turn left. Walk a few meters up the hill then follow the narrow path up the bank to your left which brings you to a stile.

(If you don't mind detouring a bit here, before going to the stile carry on up Erddig Road to the top of the hill and you will see the entrance gates from Coed-y-Glyn into Erddig).

Climb over the stile and you will find yourself on the top path through Coed-y-Glyn woods. This path is along a part of Wat's Dyke. On your left is quite a steep drop and the path can be quite slippery in places when it is muddy so take care. Follow the path to the end when it drops down towards the road, then winds back round to where you started.

To make this into a longer walk, do it in reverse and when you get to the stile that takes you onto Erddig Road, walk up the hill a few metres and you will see another stile on your right; go over this stile and you can continue along the path towards Sontley Road, then drop down and follow the lower path back.

A poem by Simon Yorke, Squire of Erddig

2006-04-03T21:42:00.000+01:00

These words by Simon Yorke apparently used to be at the Coed-y-Glyn entrance to Erddig park:

Know ye who enter at this gate

To wander through this fair estate

The owner of its ancient hall

A kindly welcome bids to all

Yet hopes that noone will neglect

The following wishes to repect:-

When in meadow grown for hay

Keep to the path or right of way;

Fright not the cattle on the lea,

Nor damage flower or shrub or tree;

And let no vestiges be found

Of paper scattered on the ground.

The owner of this blest domain

Himself to sojourn here is fain,

And if by land or sea he roam

Still loveth best his native home;

Which for two centuries or near

His ancestors have held so dear.

Admiring well a graceful art

Of natures hand in every part,

Full well he knoweth how to prize

This fair terrestrial paradise;

And 'tis his wish sincere and true

That others should enjoy it too.

Some verses are missing and will be added as soon as the Outsider can find them. If anyone out there knows the missing verses, and/or the exact location where this verse was sited at the entrance, please email theoutsider@erddig.com

Whatever happened to Felin Puleston village, Erddig?

2006-04-02T06:37:00.000+01:00

As you drive down into the Felin Puleston car park it is hard to imagine that this was once a thriving community.

The village was born around 1580 when a mill was built there by Piers Puleston, and records of births and deaths in the village date back to the sixteenth century. The population in 1891 was 172 but by 1982 it was just 1.

The road into the car park is in fact the Old Ruabon Road and a map dated 1789 shows this to be the only road going in this direction. The Ruabon Road lay across the field alongside the present road and entered the village across a ford near the present footbridge, then out onto the old turnpike road to Ruabon. When the current Ruabon Road was constructed, the site of the old road was given in exchange.

In the 19th century Felin Puleston was a thriving, very busy self-contained little community with its own general store. The village lay on a main coach route and its inn, The Bear, was a picking up point. The history books indicate that the community grew up around the mill, of which the last building was converted into a chemical factory which was demolished due to an explosion.

Shoemakers, grocers, pipemakers, coachmakers and maltsters all lived in the village. Up until the 1930s there were fifty or more of these pretty stone cottages all owned by the Yorkes. Unfortunately though, it seems that they were not so pleasant inside, for, after a public enquiry, they were condemned and the residents were rehoused. Eventually all the cottages except the one you see today, now owned by the National Trust, were demolished.

Have a Welly Fantastic time at Erddig this Sunday...

2006-03-31T23:04:00.000+01:00

This Sunday promises loads of fun with Erddig’s “Wear Your Wellies Day” (12-4pm). This celebration of spring encourages visitors to forget the April showers and have loads of fun! Plenty of fun activities are planned, including bug hunts, worm charming and making your own weather station. There will also be a prize for the most glamorous wellies!

For more information the general office number is 01978 355314 or the infoline number is 01978 315151.

Wristleham Castle, Erddig

2006-03-30T07:23:00.000+01:00

There is not much to find in the history books on the origins of Wrexham, and no mention of the town before the twelfth century. Looking at old documents the name exists in many forms such as Wristleham, Wrettesham, Wrechessam and Wryxham.

The earliest reference was in the Pipe Rolls of AD 1161 when the castle of Wristleham in Erddig was mentioned. It is believed that the fortress was constructed out of timber so there are no visible signs today other than the mounds of the motte and bailey. There are views of three valleys from the top of the motte so it was the ideal site for a fortress. There is an avenue of beech trees on the bailey that emulates the formal walks Emes designed in the 18th century.

To reach the castle grounds, follow the directions for walk 4 until you reach the top of the hill by the second entrance to the house, go onto the top path, turn immediate left then follow the path and you will see a National Trust sign with information on the castle. You can then continue on the path which will lead you to the Pleasure Grounds. If you add this section onto walk 4 it will take you about 60 minutes in total.

A little bit of Heaven on Earth...

2006-03-30T06:42:00.000+01:00

The call of work led the Outsider to the inner heart of Manchester today. After getting well and truly lost trying to find the G-MEX Centre, and at least an hour touring Salford, the Outsider realised how easy it is to take our usual surroundings for granted. Returning to Erddig after the high rise flats and concrete jungle called Manchester, made the Wrexham area look like a little bit of Heaven on earth.

Erddig Walk 4: The Pleasure Grounds.

2006-03-27T14:45:00.000+01:00

This walk takes about 30 minutes. If you park at the hall, then walk out of the car park and turn right. On your left you will see the dovecote which dates from 1739. If you look through the window on the side you will see that the interior walls are lined with nest holes.

Carry on down the road until the road forks then bear right. You will see a house to your right by some double gates. These gates used to be the main entrance to the house and lead to the front steps. Note the stone carving on the gateposts.

Follow the road as it drops down the hill and across the west front of the house. On your left here you will often see the shire horses relaxing when they are not working at Erddig. This is Erddig Road. Carry on until you come to a kissing gate with a large gate and cattle grid alongside. Go through the gate and you will see a small wooden bridge to your left.

Just over the bridge is the hydraulic ram which was installed in 1899 and used the power of Black Brook to work a pump drawing pure spring water. It worked at a rate of 10,000 gallons per day pumping water up to storage cisterns in the roof of the house. Today it is used to power the fountains in the garden.

Just beyond this is the cylindrical cascade known as the 'Cup and Saucer'. This was constucted under the guidance of the landscape architect William Emes in 1775. Black Brook gathers in the circular basin, falls over the central weir and then exits through a tunnel a few yards away. The design caused the brook to be lowered quickly with the aim of preventing erosion. Black Brook was so named because of its origins in the coal mines.

Now backtrack over the bridge back onto Erddig Road. Walk on just a few more metres and you will see a metal kissing gate on your right. Go through the gate (notice the white entrance gates to your left - this was a second entrance to the house) and follow the path as it bears right and up the hill. At the top of the hill the path bends round to the left. Now follow the path straight on (you will see the house on your right).

You are in the Big Wood which previously used to be the Pleasure Grounds. This area underwent developments and planting until the 1850s, when the grounds were subsumed into woodland. The grounds are accurately depicted in an engraving by Badeslade and Toms of 1739, showing formal tree plantings, horse or deer grazing paddocks, and a spiral path to the summit of Castell-y-Glyn.

Walk to the end of the path and turn right. Follow this path and you will see the east front of Erddig. The gates were made by Davies Bros of Wrexham in the early 1700s. They cost £150 11s 6d and weighed 56 tons. The pond in front is called a ha-ha, used in landscaping to keep stock out but allow unimpeded views.

Turn right at the end of the path and this brings you back to where you started.

Erddig awakens from its long sleep

2006-03-25T22:41:00.000Z

The Outsider had a pleasant wander around the gardens today.

The little second hand bookshop was open too - manned by volunteers. This year it hopes to raise enough money to buy a new carriage for Erddig.

The pottery display by Wendy Gill was impressive, and the prices very reasonable too.

It's nice to see the old place open again.

The Secret Pond, Erddig.

2006-03-24T22:35:00.000Z

There is a small pond that not many people know about, and it is a haven for wildlife.

If you park in Felin Puleston car park, go over the bridge as if you are heading for the industrial estate. Turn right through the swing gate. Walk about 70 metres along the path at the side of the river. Turn left and walk along the grassy path (there will be trees on your left and open grassland on your right).

Here you will find this little pond which is just starting to show signs of bursting into life.

In warmer weather you will find fish, tadpoles, dragonflies, numerous insects and plants and more often than not a heron. A wonderful natural history lesson for children (just watch they don't fall in!)

Look out for pond skaters, a bug that preys on insects on the surface of the water. It can dive to escape if necessary and it can also fly.

The Outsider cannot see any sign of frog spawn yet. Frog spawn reacts to some biological trigger in which the length of daylight and temperature apparently play some part.

Wheelchairs, pushchairs and double buggies.

2006-03-23T22:45:00.000Z

Whilst the National Trust say on their website that the paths in Erddig are accessible to wheelchair users; certainly there are some which are more accessible than others. Whilst travelling along Erddig Road, or following paths through pastureland there are generally the large field gates alongside the swing-gates, so are no problem (there are a couple of cattle grids on Erddig Road though).

Going through the woods you usually have to pass through several swing gates. Of those measured by The Outsider they vary in size from 133 x 151cm to 164 x 165cm. An all terrain three wheeler pushchair can pass through with ease. Double buggies can get through some but not others, so wheelchairs will struggle in places too.

What's happening at Erddig...

2006-03-21T21:29:00.000Z

From Saturday 25th March the house will be open 12 - 4pm and the gardens 11 - 6pm (opening every day except Thursday and Friday).

From 25th March to 19th April There will be an Easter exhibition of pottery by Wendy Gill, exhibiting for a second time at Erddig Hall after a successful Easter there last year. Why not drop in and take a look...

Erddig Walk 3: Sontley Road to Kingsmill.

2006-03-20T14:46:00.001Z

For this walk park in the Sontley Road car park (see walk 2 for directions). Walk out of the car park, turn left and walk a few metres up the road. You will see a swing gate on your right, go through the gate and into the Coed-y-Glyn woodland. Look out for stems of great horsetail which are often over 1 metre tall.

Follow the path through the woodland - it can get very muddy here in wet weather - until you reach Kingsmill (it will probably take you about 20 - 25 minutes). There are several points where you can come out of the woods and continue along the pastureland alongside.

Note the King's Mill Leete - a ditch running along the woodland edge - it is the leete that fed water from the Clywedog to King's Mill.

The historic King's Mill dates from the 14th century and held the monopoly on milling in Wrexham for over 600 years. It became an outlying part of the estate in 1634 when it was aquired by Joshua Edisbury's grandfather, Kendrick.

Tenant farmers of Wrexham were compelled by law to grind their malt and corn at the Kingsmill, but there was still much illegal competition, in particular from Felin Puleston which was just a short distance upstream.

Philip Yorke I inherited the estate in 1767 and decided to rebuild the Kingsmill, which cost him £1000. The new mill was built on almost the same site and still stands today (now owned by Wrexham Borough Council). In order to reduce competion he also aquired the rival Puleston Mill and ancillary buildings along with 40 acres of land and converted it for farm use.

In 1854 the monopoly on milling was broken when 29 influential innkeepers, brewers malters, millers and auctioneers formed an association to resist what they claimed were illegal tolls. The introduction of steam mills in Wrexham left Kingsmill unable to compete and it closed down in 1940.

Walk back to Sontley Road across the meadows or retrace your path through the woods. Keep a look out for herons and other wildlife.

Erddig opens it's gardens for charity...

2006-03-19T16:42:00.000Z

Erddig gardens are open today 12pm - 4pm to raise funds for the National Gardens Scheme.

Erddig Walk 2. A Short walk from Sontley Road car park.

2006-03-18T05:38:00.000Z

The Sontley Road car park can be found if you turn off the A483 at the Rhos turn-off, take the turning for Wrexham and go past the Little Chef and Esso, carry on up the Wrexham Road(A5152) past the shop, go past the Erddig sign on your right, over the bridge and past the little industrial estate. Carry on to the small roundabout and turn right into Fairy Road.

Take the third right into Sontley Road then carry on past St Josephs school (this is closed and is being renovated at the moment so is more of a building site). Carry on past the housing estate. The road will then narrow and you go down a hill (the trees are part of Coed-y-Glyn wood) and you will see the car park on your right.

Walk through the swing gate and bear left, going over the little bridge to the river. To your left you will see the Sontley Road bridge. This was constructed in 1845 by B & W Jones of Ruabon.

The Sontley estate of 146 acres was bought in 1773 by Philip I for £7,900. He had Emes construct the Sontley weir between 1777 and 1781, in part to solve the problems of flooding on the Sontley Road and bridge.

The marshes of Sontley are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Follow the path alongside the river. The area to your right is known as the Frenchmills and you will see a natural lake which was formed by subsidence. It now attracts breeding swans and wildfowl.

Carry on until you reach the bridge.

Go through the gate onto Erddig road and turn right. Walk along Erddig road for about 200 metres until you see a swing-gate on your right. Go through the gate into Coed-y-Glyn wood. Follow the path through the mature woodland, mainly beech and oak trees, but also some more unusual species including hornbeam and maple. Continue along the path until you get back to the car park.

For a longer walk join walks 1 & 2 together - it will take approx 45 minutes.

Feeding the birds in winter

2006-03-12T07:25:00.000Z

The Outsider woke this morning to find a thick blanket of snow. Please everyone, remember to feed our feathered friends and make sure that they have fresh water to drink.

Grey heron at Sontley Road, Erddig.

2006-03-09T21:45:00.000Z

The Outsider's four legged friend, whose greatest show of bravery is chasing pigeons out of the back garden, had quite a shock when she shot through the undergrowth to her favourite piece of river and came face to face with a grey heron.

Standing three foot tall and with a wingspan just short of three foot, the heron is not a bird to be messed with. The dog, when she had recovered from the shock, turned and ran away in the opposite direction. The heron meanwhile regained his composure and flew further down the river. Another heron could be seen sitting in a tree a little further on.

Herons join in flocks of anything up to fifty birds. The Outsider's canine companion is very wary of one now, so it's doubtful she'd cope very well with fifty.

The Cold Weather continues...

2006-03-06T21:53:00.000Z

Most of the snow has gone but it is still bitterly cold.

The Outsider hears that the Countryside team have been working hard across the estate to prepare Erddig for its grand re-opening on Saturday March 25th.

The team work to revive old working practices and develop the heavy horse project by using horse-power around Erddig. The team will also be using a Canadian Hitch Cart, a 1940s Drag Harrow and a 1920s roller, all in perfect condition, to complete the harrowing and rolling.

Snow at Felin Puleston, Erddig.

2006-03-02T07:01:00.000Z

Some real snow at last! The Outsider can get those sledges out now...Oh what a beautiful part of the world we live in...

The buildings in this picture are now an educational centre but the buildings were originally one of the tenanted farms on the estate.

Philip Yorke II withdraws the priviledge of letting people walk on his property at Erddig...

2006-03-01T15:43:00.000Z

Inconsiderate hooligans were, it seems, a part of the past history of Erddig too. For several years Philip Yorke II (1849-1922) allowed anyone who so desired to walk along the private roads through the estate. But he declared that he was withdrawing the privilege for the future because it had been abused, and serious damage had been done to the gates, fences and stock.

There were strong objections from the Wrexham community, in particular from the local miners who had used the roads for 20 years or more, to get to and from Bersham colliery. An outcry ensued in the local press along with representations from the Mayor of Wrexham, and Philip Yorke finally agreed to reinstate the rights of way.

Litter Louts visiting Erddig.

2006-03-01T15:23:00.000Z

The Outsider wonders why it is that some inconsiderate people have no respect for property and have to make a mess wherever they go. The rubbish in the Sontley Road car park is nothing short of disgusting. Some people just use the car park as a place to pull up and eat their dinner, then throw their rubbish out of the car windows.

Too lazy to walk to the bins the council have kindly provided on the other side of the road, they prefer instead to leave their mess for other visitors to view.

The sort of people who make a mess like this are usually too unfit to go for a walk and enjoy the country park, and are too ignorant to understand that some people like to visit places like Erddig to appreciate the beauty of the place, not to view some slob's left overs from their fish and chip dinner. So the outsiders message to these lazy layabouts is stay at home in your pig sty and don't ruin the view for everyone else.

And as for the mentality of the people who thought it amusing(??) to make a bonfire out of one of the gates by Erddig Road...

Erddig Walk 1: A short walk from Felin Puleston.

2006-02-27T21:56:00.000Z

This short walk takes about 25 minutes. Park in the Felin Puleston car park. Go through the gate at the side of the cottage (this is all that is left of Felin Puleston village) and follow the path through the field then turn left and go over the wooden bridge. Looking to your left you will see the weir on the River Clywedog. The bridge is a good place to look for trout that thrive in the clean, fast flowing river.

Turn right by the bench and walk to the next gate past the Sensory Garden which will be to your left. Just before the gate you will see the large millstone. This and the weir are all that remain of Felin Puleston Mill.

Go through the gate and follow the path alongside the river.

Carry on to the next gate and turn right into Coed-y-Glyn Wood, still following the path of the river.

Coed-y-Glyn Wood is a haven for wildlife including badgers, foxes, owls and kestrels. There are also many old trees, mainly oak and beech, but also some more unusual species such as field maple and hornbeam. Trees can be roughly dated by the size of their girth as it will grow approximately 1.25cm per year. The variety of trees, shrubs, ferns and flowers, and the plentiful supply of nuts, seeds and berries make it a haven for many birds, insects, mice and voles.

Keep going through wood until you reach the gate that brings you onto Erddig Road. Turn right and follow the road to the bridge.

Cross the bridge and turn right then just walk straight on, following the path through the next three gates, which will bring you back to the car park.

Spooky goings on at Erddig...

2006-02-26T06:43:00.000Z

The Outsider just found this BBC website about spooky goings on at Erddig. Having walked this path numerous times before the Outsider has never felt spooked...but surely will now...

The area in question can be found if you park at the Felin Puleston car park, walk back towards the entrance and turn right up the path (by the blue estate car in the photo - the house is to the left of the photographer).

The Felin Puleston car park can be found if you turn off the A483 at the Rhos turn-off, take the turning for Wrexham and go past the Little Chef and Esso, carry on up the Wrexham Road(A5152) past the shop on your left until you see the Erddig sign on your right (just before the bridge and the little industrial estate) turn right here into Hafod Road, then immediate left into Felin Puleston.

Erddig's French Boulle clock to be restored.

2006-02-26T06:13:00.000Z

More good news has come for Erddig in the form of funds donated by the Wrexham National Trust Association for conservation work on the eighteenth century French Boulle clock which has not worked for over 20 years.

Standing on a wall bracket, in the middle of the centre wall in the saloon at Erddig, it has been noted by many visitors that the time on the clock has been set at four O’clock. The Outsider wonders if the choice of time, which reflects the time that the house closes for the day, was a deliberate act of a member of staff keen for the working day to end.

Named after Andre Charles Boulle (1642-1732), a French furniture maker, the clock has his characteristic tortoiseshell and brass design. Altered over the years by the Yorke family, who were often keen to put their own mark on their belongings, the Boulle clock has a plate on the front, decorated with a horse-pulled chariot. Originally underneath the glass panel that covers the clock, the panel was removed by the Yorkes and placed on top. The clock will be conserved back to working order but not restored to its original state, choosing instead to keep the changes made by the Yorke family.

Erddig Hall gets Welsh Assembly cash.

2006-02-25T15:36:00.000Z

The Outsider hears that Erddig Hall is to undergo essential repairs, thanks to new funding from the Welsh Assembly. The hall has been offered over £40,000 to carry out the second phase of repairs to the stonework at the front of the house and to repair the culverts below the service yards. Grants from the Welsh Assembly are offered on the recommendation of the Historic Buildings Council for Wales, the Assembly’s advisors on historic buildings.

It's Snowing at Erddig!

2006-02-23T21:39:00.000Z

It's snowing! The Outsider was jumping for joy when a flurry of snow appeared this morning. Okay so this photo of the Cup and Saucer is a bit of a cheat being as it was taken four years ago, and the snow today - in Erddig at least - didn't stick.

After racing out to buy a sledge the Outsider found the meagre sprinkling of snow to be quite a disappointment.

In fact Erddig today was more of a case of mud, glorious mud. Oh rain, rain, go away, let the snow come today...

Snowdrops at Erddig

2006-02-22T22:12:00.000Z

The snowdrops are starting to peep through around the hall. There’s certainly a feel of spring about the place. The wild garlic is sprouting in the woods again. I love the smell of this in the spring when it has been walked on.

The house and gardens don't open again until 19th March but there are some lovely walks around the country park.

Take a look at the National Trust website for more details of opening times.

Erddig

Site has Moved

Are our Ladybirds Under Threat?

Erddig Rumours...

The Hedges at Erddig

National Trust Plans for New Village at Erddig

A Picnic with some of Erddig's Feathered Visitors...

Ospreys and Crows

The Coed-y-Glyn Estate, Erddig

Holidays

Erddig Yew Trees offer hope of Cancer Cure

The Wrexham Walking Festival

Erddig: The Smallest Parish?

Walk 11: Erddig and Essless Park

The 17th Century Barn at Felin Puleston

While out walking in Erddig today...

Walking in Erddig 1779

Walk 10: The Big Wood

Bluebell Heaven at Erddig

Walk 9: Wat's Dyke and the Highland Cattle Walk

Walk 8: From Erddig Road

Working away

Keep dogs under control at Erddig

Walk 7: Erddig West View and Black Brook.

How to date a tree

Philip Yorke and his fish and chip supper.

Walk 6: The Wild Pig Walk.

Spring at Erddig

Frenchmills Meadow, Erddig.

The Erddig Walks

Sponsored Walk at Erddig

Philip Yorke I and his Incredible Sneeze.

Erddig Walk 5: The Wat's Dyke Walk

A poem by Simon Yorke, Squire of Erddig

Whatever happened to Felin Puleston village, Erddig?

Have a Welly Fantastic time at Erddig this Sunday...

Wristleham Castle, Erddig

A little bit of Heaven on Earth...

Erddig Walk 4: The Pleasure Grounds.

Erddig awakens from its long sleep

The Secret Pond, Erddig.

Wheelchairs, pushchairs and double buggies.

What's happening at Erddig...

Erddig Walk 3: Sontley Road to Kingsmill.

Erddig opens it's gardens for charity...

Erddig Walk 2. A Short walk from Sontley Road car park.

Feeding the birds in winter

Grey heron at Sontley Road, Erddig.

The Cold Weather continues...

Snow at Felin Puleston, Erddig.

Philip Yorke II withdraws the priviledge of letting people walk on his property at Erddig...

Litter Louts visiting Erddig.

Erddig Walk 1: A short walk from Felin Puleston.

Spooky goings on at Erddig...

Erddig's French Boulle clock to be restored.

Erddig Hall gets Welsh Assembly cash.

It's Snowing at Erddig!

Snowdrops at Erddig