Aberduna Nature Reserve in Flintshire
A beautiful nature reserve with fantastic views across the Alyn Valley towards Moel Famau and The Clwydian Hills. The limestone rock underlying Aberduna supports scrub, grassland, and woodland glades, and small ponds form here, too.
In springtime, wildflowers such as fragrant orchids, common rock rose and cowslip can be seen dotted amongst the grassland, whilst bluebells share the woodland with the wonderfully named upland enchanters nightshade and goldilocks buttercup.
The dappled shade of the woodland also provides a perfect habitat for dog-violets, the favoured food of the pearl-bordered fritillary caterpillar.
About us
HOW THE SITE IS MANAGED
Various methods are used to maintain the number of wildflowers here, including the introduction of sheep and ponies to graze the grassland between September and March.
Tree thinning operations in the woodland help to create a mix of trees of different ages and heights, thereby bringing light to the woodland floor, allowing native plants to establish and thrive. Fallen logs and branches are left to rot down to provide valuable habitat for fungi and invertebrates, and hibernation sites for amphibians.
DIRECTIONS
Aberduna is 3 miles south-west of Mold. From Mold, follow the A494 and take the left turning to Maeshafn after passing through Gwernymynydd. Parking is sometimes available at the Wildlife Trust office on the right at the first sharp bend (please inform office staff, to avoid your car being locked in).
Know before you go…
Size – 20 hectares
Entry fee – No
Parking information – Parking is sometimes available at the Wildlife Trust office on the R at the first sharp bend (please inform office staff to avoid your car being locked in); else park in Maeshafn and use the map provided to find one of the entrances to the reserve.
Grazing animals – Sheep, all year round. Ponies, August to December. Do not approach the ponies or sheep that graze the site.
Walking trails – On public footpaths, steep in places
Access -Footpaths pass through the reserve but can be steep, and the terrain is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Dogs -On a lead
This reserve is in the care of The North Wales Wildlife Trust.
Gallery
Contact Information
