Covid-19 memorial woodland opens on National Trust Cymru’s Erddig estate

National Trust Cymru has opened one of Wales’ new commemorative woodlands in North Wales. Hafod y Bwch Commemorative Woodland, located on the Erddig estate in Wrexham, is a living memorial to those who lost their lives to Covid-19 and acts as a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic.

Created in partnership with the Welsh Government, nine hectares of National Trust land at Hafod, on the southern edge of the Erddig estate, have been carefully transformed over the past three years to create a new public space for remembrance, reflection and connection with nature.

The woodland was designed in partnership with local community groups and is made up of different zones connected through flat, wide accessible paths. It is one of three memorial woodlands in Wales and forms part of the National Forest for Wales network.

Lhosa Daly, National Trust Cymru’s Director for Wales, said: “We are honoured to have supported the Welsh Government in creating one of Wales’ three commemorative woodlands.

“As a conservation charity, providing places for people to connect with nature, beauty and fresh air is at the heart of what we do. This safe and accessible green space close to Wrexham will give local people, communities, and visitors a place to remember those lost to Covid-19 and benefit from time spent in nature.

“I would like to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who has contributed to the design and creation of this special place. Art and nature have come together beautifully through the thoughtful pieces of work curated by Studio Response which include commissions by Hanan Issa, lestyn Tyne, SOUP design studio and Rachel Jones adding to the peaceful and contemplative nature of the woodland.”

At its heart lies a large grassland wildflower meadow which gives an open-air social space for picnics, events and activities and acts as a food source for pollinators.

For nature, small, wooded sections have been densely planted and left entirely for wildlife. Trees and shrubs provide homes and nesting spots while also helping reduce noise and pollution from the neighbouring road. Scattered ponds, hedgerows and wooded glades add to the variation of vital habitats created for amphibians, mammals and birds to thrive.

National Poet of Wales (2022-2025) Hanan Issa was invited to help share the story of the woodland and voice of the community by writing poem The Trees Treasure What We Have Lost, which has been translated into Welsh by Iestyn Tyne. The poem has been cast into bricks designed by SOUP design studio which line the woodland’s pathways. The brick design was inspired by the former Johnstown Brick Works which overlook the site.

Imagining the echoes of history within the woodland’s soil, the poem references the cyclical nature of time, land and grief and how solace can be found in gathering, remembering and spending time in nature.

One of the most prominent features within the woodland is the collection of 20 colourful benches found throughout. Designed by visual artist Rachel Jones, each colour represents a different plant found on site. The benches are a space for remembering loved ones and are intended to create colourful moments of joy, meditation and social connection while acknowledging the cyclical nature of the seasons.

In total,13,000 trees have also been planted at the site, the majority being native broadleaf varieties that are historically and culturally linked to the area. The chosen species, which includes blossoming fruit trees and Hawthorns, were selected for their ability to adapt to the threats of pests, diseases and a changing climate.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said: “The woodlands will be a powerful symbol of regeneration and renewal as the trees grow and wildlife flourishes. It will become a beautiful space to connect with nature which we know is good for our physical and mental health.

“The pandemic was a terrible time for many families, and it is important that we create a permanent, living memorial to those who died from Covid-19. The woodlands are a fitting way to remember people we lost, while adding to our beautiful green spaces for generations to come.

“I look forward to walking around Hafod y Bwch as soon as I can.”

Two further commemorative woodlands are being created in partnership with the Welsh Government: Natural Resources Wales’ Brownhill in Carmarthenshire and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Ynys Hywel. All three commemorative woodlands form part of the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Programme.