Seven wonders of Oswestry
There are the seven wonders of the World, the seven wonders of Wales and now, the Seven wonders of the Oswestry hills.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust cares for seven nature reserves in the countryside around Oswestry and, on April 29 it is inviting people to take part in a signed walk exploring the countryside that takes in the reserves.
One of the largest is the Llanymynech Rocks reserve which lies at the southern end of the carboniferous limestone outcrop that stretches from Anglesey and the Great Orme at Llandudno. It was a busy limestone quarry now reclaimed by nature.
Others are: Bwlytai Wood , Trefonen, a small wood awash with bluebells and wood anemones; Craig Sychtyn an old wood with views across to the Tanat Valley and beyond to the Berwyn mountains; Jones' Rough, a small steep limestone woodland set among many tiny fields and hedgerows with Offa's Dyke running through it; Sweeney Fen . a tiny fen and one of the most exquisite flower meadows in Shropshire; Dolgoch Quarry, aAn abandoned limestone quarry with wonderful wildflowers; Llynclys Common, a mosaic of habitats, fantastic place for wildlife and plants.
Sarah Gibson from the trust said walkers could choose a route of seven or 14 miles or a guided, two-mile walk.
"The signed routes are easy to follow with arrows to keep you on track and you can start at a time of your choosing, within the registration periods set out below. The routes follow public rights of way across rolling farmland between woods, fen, fields and common land, enjoying spectacular views and scenery.
"Delicious home-made cakes and tea are included in the entry fee and a minibus will transport those walking the seven-mile route back to the start. Dogs are welcome but need to be on leads to protect ground-nesting birds from disturbance."
She said that to celebrate the end of a five-year project improving habitats for butterflies in the area, there will be a special, two-mile route guided walk led by Gareth Egarr, the Trust’s reserves officer, in a top butterfly area. Entrance fee is £10 for all walks.
All profits will be spent on Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves in the local area.
All walks start from Trefonen Village Hall, which will open for registration at 8am. Walkers on the 14-mile route need to register between 8am - 10am and walkers on the seven-mile route need to register between 8am - 11am. For the two-mile guided walk, register at 1.30pm in Trefonen for the lift by minibus to the walk.
"Advance booking for this route is essential as numbers are limited."
