New era for former Minera Quarry as it reopens as “spectacular” wildlife reserve on Saturday

A new era will begin this weekend for what was previously a disused Wrexham quarry.

Minera Quarry was previously operated by the company now known as Tarmac, who used the limestone quarried at Minera as aggregate for road construction. However quarrying and processing operations stopped in 1994

For six years, the Wildlife Trust, the Minera Quarry Trust and Tarmac worked together to develop a long term programme for the quarry restoration/re-use.

In November 2016 Wrexham.com reported that plans were in the works to convert the site into a ‘spectacular nature reserve and community wildlife asset’.

In September 2017, Tarmac agreed to sell the site to the North Wales Wildlife Trust for £1, so it could be developed as a wildlife haven and community facility.

The company also donated £100,000 to the Wildlife Trust so work could be carried out to make the site safe for public access.

North Wales Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Officer, Frances Cattanach said: “The Wildlife Trust has worked hard for many years with local interest groups, in particular the Minera Quarry Trust, to secure the site as a nature reserve for people to enjoy for generations to come.”

On Saturday 2nd June between 10am till 4pm, the quarry will be officially opened to the public by naturalist and broadcaster Mike Dilger.

Mike Dilger said: “As a Bangor University graduate and one time warden of Cemlyn nature reserve on Anglesey, I can’t tell you how excited I am to be returning to North Wales to open the Wildlife Trust’s latest nature reserve – Minera Quarry.

“As someone with a degree in Botany, my love of anything with chlorophyll is very well known, and I can think of nothing more exciting than getting down to orchid-level in a limestone quarry to admire this most charismatic group of plants. I urge you to join me on what should be a fun-filled and informative day.”

During the day there will a series of activities, including sessions on mindfulness and how nature can help with a persons wellbeing. There will also be talks about bats, quarry history, geology, fossils and living landscapes.

Refreshments will also be available including local ice cream producer Chilly Cow.

Graham Berry, nature reserve officer said: “We would like to welcome everyone form the local community to come and join in the celebration on the 2nd June.

“We will have loads of activities for families and children including a Bio-Blitz where we will try and record as many different plants, animals and fungi in a day.

“Children will be able to help with bug hunts, pond dipping, wildlife spotting, you may even find a new species for the site.”

There is car parking at the end of Maes Y Ffynnon Road (post code LL11 3DE). Parking space is limited so if you can use public transport to Minera and walk the short distance to the site along the picturesque foot paths it would really help.