Barmouth Environmental Conservation Group have been working closely with Gwynedd Council, and with the help of a £180,000 grant from Cyd-Coed, have succeeded to transform these two Gwynedd Council owned sites into pleasant green areas for everyone to enjoy. 

After being left unmanaged for many years, the recent reformation means that Orielton Woods is now a very beautiful and peaceful area.  The site has been made safe, and the Barmouth Environmental Conservation Group have opened up a footpath, built bridges and steps so people can use the area as an access to the beautiful Panorama Walk which runs along the estuary.

The Wern Mynach area has also had a total revamp, and is no longer an eye sore in the area.   The work involved the local community coming together and clearing the site, dealing with invasive species, and planting trees and a wild flower meadow.  Local school children have also been very busy setting up bird boxes and planting trees and bulbs.

Allen Ashby , Chairman of the Barmouth Enviromental Conservation Group

“Wern Mynach is now an ideal site as an introduction to wildlife, especially for children, where they can catch sticklebacks in the stream, play mud pies, build dens, or just run around. 

“The Wern Mynach site won the Bernard Jones Memorial Trophy from Keep Wales Tidy in 2006.  It is no longer called “the tip”, and is very well used by locals and visitors alike.”

Allen Ashby added:

“With the help of grants from various organisations, together with practical help, advice and the support of local groups, residents and visitors, both these projects have truly been an excellent example of team work between professional and voluntary groups for the benefit of all.” 

Two professional artists were also commissioned, and Orielton Woods is now home to a stainless steel sculpture by Jim Sadler, while Wern Mynach has a green oak sculpture by Jony Easterby of the tall ship once built in Barmouth.