A new era for Shepherd's Cottage

Volunteers are needed to help a conservation project currently taking place in Nercwys Forest on the Denbighshire/Flintshire border.

The Forestry Commission and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership are working together to bring new life to the area and work has started on the enclosure in front of the old Shepherd's Cottage.

The old tree stumps that remained in the enclosure since it was cleared of timber five years ago have now been removed and local craftsmen have begun to re-build the tumbled down dry stone wall that surrounded it.

The idea is to turn the small enclosure into a flower rich hay meadow - an important habitat for many plant and insect species. Once the dry stone wall has been fully re-instated, then work will begin to prepare the ground ready for sowing the wildflower seed mix in spring.

The old cottage at the top of the enclosure was demolished in the early 1960s when the forest was being planted and it was deemed to be unsafe. It has since remained a pile of rubble but it is now hoped to recreate the original floor plan of the building.

Under the supervision of Fiona Gale, Denbighshire County Council's Archaeologist, volunteers will be invited to help clear some of the rubble. It will be safeguarded from any further destruction and an archaeological survey will be carried out.

Volunteers are invited to take part and help out with the work on Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th. Meet at the northern car park of Coed Nercwys at 10am. Bring sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing. Volunteers can spend as little or as much time as they wish carrying out the work.

Also, organisers would like to hear from people with memories of the cottage or anyone with photographs are asked to come forward and share their experiences.

For further information, please contact Sharon Woods, the Forest Partnership warden, on 01352 810 614.