4 minute read
Walking World
Marford Quarry, near Wrexham
This easy-going walk explores North Wales Wildlife Trust’s Marford Quarry Nature reserve near Wrexham.
With over 1,000 recorded species, this nature reserve is an unexpected oasis of ‘wildness’ and one of the best places in Wales for invertebrates. As its name suggests, the site was quarried for many years (supplying aggregate for the construction of the Mersey Tunnel) but, now that nature has truly reclaimed it for herself, insects thrive in the mix of post-industrial habitats. Discover rare plants like wild liquorice (not the edible kind!), slow-worms and gorgeous butterflies such as the purple hairstreak.
Things you need to know
The route is very easy-going – even suitable for all-terrain pushchairs.
J Directions: Marford Quarry is located 2.5 miles north-east of Wrexham. Heading south into the village of Marford on the B5445, turn right onto
Pant Lane in the village centre (immediately after the Red Lion pub). There is free parking at
Maes y Pant car park, approximately 415 metres down Pant Lane (SJ 354 551; LL12 8HB). J Time: 1-2 hours J Distance: 1.5 miles (2.8km) J OS Explorer Map: 256
THE ROUTE
1. Turn left out of the car park onto Pant Lane and walk along
7. Just before the next benches ahead on the right, turn left and left again – from here on in, you are starting to retrace your steps. Plenty of dead wood is left to rot on the reserve as habitat for invertebrates – see if you can spot the striking ruby-tailed wasp as you walk. Very soon is another junction of paths. You should take the left-hand route, which returns you down the long straight path, the way you came in. Turn right out of the footpath onto Pant Lane to return to the car park.
the left-hand pavement until you see a finger-post pointing left (shortly after crossing Quarry Brow). Follow this lovely leafy path, noticing the huge, smooth-barked beech trees among the sycamores.
2. When you come to the junction in paths (after about 300 metres), take the right-hand path, passing a bench on the left and carrying straight on. Ignore other paths leading off the track.
3. At the next fork, take the right-hand path, which climbs steeply uphill. Notice the change in vegetation to ash, hawthorn and birch as you gain height, whilst the atmosphere becomes drier and the soil sandier. (If you wish to spot dragonflies and look for smooth newts,
frogs and toads, dip down the left-hand path at the next junction to visit the pond – retrace your steps to return.)
4. The path carries on looping around the top of the reserve, skirting a fenced area. The fence prevents rabbits nibbling special plants such as bee orchid, pyramidal orchid and wild liquorice. In summer you smell wafts of evening primrose and hear the repetitive song of the chiffchaff.
5. Continue along this path past a hedge of Lawson cypress, with glimpses of open countryside between the trees. Look out for alder, with their distinctive cones; and mature hawthorns, with their red berries in autumn and white blossom in May. In summer you hear the loud chirring of grasshoppers. Growing around the path is wood sage, which smells pungent if you crush the leaves. Before the path drops down, enjoy gorgeous views over the lush trees of the quarry – in autumn, the colours are spectacular.
6.The path loops around a second fenced area: in summer, see if Although your guided walk finishes here, you are also
free to explore the paths of Maes y Pant. The highlight is the viewing area: to reach this, turn right past the Maes y Pant welcome sign and carry on along the track until you reach a set of steep steps on the right. Climb the steps for panoramic views over the trees and distant hills – on a clear day you can even see Liverpool, 25 miles away. As you retrace your steps to the car park, look out for green and great spotted woodpeckers. n
Discover more ‘Wildlife Walks’ across North Wales
J Explore 23 walking routes in six counties J Visit 25 North Wales Wildlife Trust nature reserves J Enjoy gentle strolls and whole-day rambles J Full descriptive text and maps supplied
you can spot the bubblegum-pink flowers of common centaury
in the open area to the right of the path. Pass the circular benches on the right and take the mesh path leading left.
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A WORD OF CAUTION
Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.
