Funding secured to progress Clywedog Valley heritage restoration plans

Plans to restore the and celebrate the natural heritage of the Clywedog Valley have taken a step forward after vital funding was secured.

The Clywedog Valley Partnership, led by Groundwork North Wales, is a range of organisations and community groups all with an interest in the heritage of the Clywedog Valley, which runs from the moors above Minera Quarry to King’s Mill just south of Wrexham city centre.

Groundwork North Wales has received development funding of £246,530 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – along with £22,600 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and support funding from partner organisations.

The funding will be used to develop detailed plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant, which would support future capital work and community engagement across the Clywedog Valley.

Over the next year, detailed plans will be drawn up to restore and improve the heritage sites for visitors and wildlife, improve accessibility, create and refresh information and interpretation across the valley, and design programmes of community engagement and education for the future.

A large amount of initial community consultation has already taken place and Groundwork North Wales are now seeking the community’s in-depth views on the valley to make sure that their thoughts and ideas are fed into these detailed plans.

The partnership has a vision to transform the valley into a thriving, resilient, vibrant and inclusive cultural attraction and community resource; a place to experience history and nature through both quiet enjoyment and a diverse programme of events with wide appeal.

It aims are to benefit people both locally and from further afield.

A range of community events and volunteering opportunities are taking place over summer-autumn 2024, with opportunities for people to share feedback and ideas. Groundwork North Wales are also running an online survey where you can share what matters to you about the Clywedog Valley.

Richard Aram, Head of Projects for Groundwork North Wales, said: “We’re delighted that we have received this support to work with the community and develop plans to protect and promote the important heritage of the Clywedog Valley.

“We look forward to welcoming people to our summer events and hearing their views.”

The community survey can be completed here: https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90710804/Your-Valley-Your-Voice

For details of project events running over the summer, please see our website https://www.groundworknorthwales.org.uk/get-involved/events/