News and events for autumn 2018

Explore the great outdoors this autumn

Come and explore the outdoors and unearth hidden secrets Castle and Garden where you in our houses, there’s something special for everyone this can enjoy the rich colour of the autumn. Sedums, Asters and deep blue Aconites flowering against the Celebrating the harvest If fungi are your thing, join a In , follow the Cwm vibrant Acers. season at Erddig guided Fungi Foray at Chirk Llwch horseshoe walk in the Castle. Hear all about how we Beacons and you’ll be We are celebrating the stories look after the grassland to allow rewarded with stunning scenery of the wonderful women at our the fungi to thrive and have a go and a view like no other, of the places throughout the year. Hear at some fungi identification. legendary glistening lake, Llyn all about the Bodnant Garden Cwm Llwch. suffragists and their sixty-year It’s squirrel month at Plas fight for votes for women on the Newydd, and in celebration of Celebrate the harvest season new ‘Unbind the Wing’ garden the red squirrel population that throughout October at Erddig, trail. call Plas Newydd home, there’s where there will be cider press a jam-packed programme of demonstrations, apple trails In the spirit of a spooky season, squirrel and woodland themed and a line-up of local music and experience the Spooktacular events for all ages throughout entertainment. At Llanerchaeron Halloween trail at , or October. you can see what goes on behind take a torchlight tour at Tredegar the scenes on a tour of the House and uncover the secrets It’s the perfect season to enjoy apple orchards, test your apple behind the closed doors of the the wonderful Welsh landscape identification and enjoy fun mansion at night. on foot. Try the circular walk family activities. from Ganllwyd in Snowdonia Every autumn adventure you where you can spot the For a glimpse of autumn colour, have helps us look after the impressive Rhaeadr Ddu waterfall follow the nature trail and take places that made it special. and you might catch a glimpse in the autumn scenery through Extraordinary experiences are of the cute conservation grazers, the grounds of Penrhyn Castle closer than you think, so make highland cattle Hamish and Iorri. or have a wander around Powis your autumn an amazing one. Autumn colours in the garden at Powis

Pembrokeshire seal pups, sport and scarily good fun

September and October are all about seal pup season in Pembrokeshire, with home to around 5,000 Atlantic grey seals.

At this time of year, the pups are born along the There’s scarily good fun planned for half-term coast and you can often spot the very cute new and Halloween too. Colby Woodland Garden arrivals on our more secluded beaches. is hosting wicker man activities, Stackpole is getting crafty with pumpkin pottery painting, Our rangers are gearing up for a series of guided Southwood Farm is weaving a spooky spider trail seal pup walks at Pwll Deri and the Marloes and Tudor Merchant’s House gets hands-on with Peninsula; they’re a must for wildlife watchers pomander making. and mini explorers too. If you’re all about outdoor exercise then there’s As a new addition for this year, we’ve also the Barafundle Bay Trailathlon and our annual teamed up with Runwayskiln café and Preseli festive fun run at Stackpole to enjoy. Venture, to provide a food and drink as part of the adventure. Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/pembrokeshire

For more ideas or further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales

Plenty to see and do. Go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales or follow us on NT Wales @NTWales and @YGCymru @NTWales Autumn 2018 1 On your doorstep South-West A word from 60 seconds with Jamie Roberts Wales our Director He’s enjoyed the special outdoor places Wales has to offer since he Tensions rise for the deer rut buried his dad in the sand when he hile there was little. So we spent 60 seconds is much W with international rugby star, Everybody who visits us at Dinefwr says how much they love the colourful transformation of our uncertainty woodlands during the autumn. surrounding Brexit Jamie Roberts, to find out what and its implications, he thinks about his new role as an The towering canopies are awash The rutting season happens in early It will host a series of after-dark there is also a clear Ambassador for the National Trust. with gold and orange leaves, there are October and we highly recommend events in its haunted house on 26, opportunity to shape crunchy walks through our forest trails a walk on the Capability Brown 27 and 31 October before being the future of farming What inspired you to work with the and there’s a good chance to experience trail to get the best view. Whilst dressed up brightly for Christmas in a way that brings National Trust? “When I was growing up, we wildlife encounters galore, as nature on the footpath, keep an eye until the year is out. positive outcomes for didn’t go abroad much, we spent most of our prepares for the cold snap ahead. out for the brand new woodland farmers, nature and time exploring the outdoor across the UK. wildlife spotter trail. It was installed The popular Dinefwr Christmas wildlife for the long term. One exhilarating wildlife spectacle earlier in the year in celebration of Fair will take place over three Current discussions on the future of “My parents took my brother David and I, to look out for at Dinefwr Park in ‘Lady Cecil’s – Mother of Nature’ days this year, from 23 to 25 farming have identified two major challenges: on walks every weekend, where we created Llandeilo, is the fallow deer rut. exhibition. November. the subsidy system and the way intensive some of my favourite childhood memories. Tensions rise as the biggest and farming is seriously threatening the condition most impressive bucks compete At half-term, pumpkin carving Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ of land. “When I was approached to support the for the right to father the next and Halloween crafts will keep the dinefwr Shaping the future of farming post-Brexit National Trust, I jumped at the chance. I generation by clashing antlers in a children busy from 27 to 31 October allows us the chance to tackle both these know how many of the places I’ve explored heated battle. at Newton House. challenges in a way that can bring positive and are looked after by the Trust and I’m keen vital outcomes for both nature and people. to encourage as many people as possible This is something we have been pushing in to discover the benefits of spending time the National Trust for some time now. outdoors. Plus, I knew my parents would be We don’t say we have all the answers. But really chuffed!” we feel we are doing things and working with Jamie & David Big Beach Clean Harvesting apples others in a way that shows we want to get the Where are your favourite places in Wales? Sugar Loaf right answers that benefit farmers and deliver “My favourite mountain would have to be Jamie & David Jamie - Rhosili wider public good for the long run. . It is so close to so as a Pen y Fan Challenge at Llanerchaeron As well as shaping discussions and child, any spare day or weekend would be consultations with partner bodies, and spent up there. “I love dogs, I really want to get one but will I missed when living in London. Don’t get As autumn approaches on Gower, we’ll be During the crisp autumn months, Llanerchaeron erupts with colour the Welsh Government’s consultation on have to wait until I retire! So it’s no surprise me wrong, London has some great outdoor celebrating the final beach cleans as part of and a celebration of the self-sufficient way of life, as harvest time Brexit and land management, we have been “I walked it with the Wales team as a part of that the tragic story of Beddgelert, is one of spaces in the form of parks, but you can’t our Big Beach Clean Challenge. approaches. energetically developing good practice that our pre-World Cup training in 2015. And I my favourite fables and going to see Gelert’s lose yourself in the greenery like you can in can help influence future direction. loved getting stuck in to stone pitching with grave is a must-do when in Snowdonia.” Wales. Our rangers have led a monthly series of events The first event will be the Farming more than 60 varieties of apple, We have some fantastic success stories the volunteers back in April. to try to combat the ever-increasing plastic and Rural Life Celebration Day including rediscovered Welsh where farming, nature and wildlife are What inspires you to spend time in the “Helping the Trust to find four nature problem on our beaches. This year, you’ve on Saturday, 22 September. varieties and the Keswick Codling working together for the greater good. You “My choice for a summer’s day would be outdoors? “Spending time outdoors helps Ambassadors has highlighted how many helped us clear tonnes of rubbish off the Gower This year, join the Ceredigion grown in the 16th century. can read more about them in the nature Rhosili. We used to holiday in Whiteford Bay me to escape the everyday noise, the other people rely on the outdoors to beaches. Federation of Young Farmers’ friendly farming feature on this page. caravan park and would spend hours on the constant communication and it helps improve their well-being and it’s going to be Clubs, to learn all about the We will be celebrating Apple The BBC documentary, Our Lives: Snowdonia beach, building sandcastles, burying my Dad me to de-stress. The proximity to the brilliant to meet them and share their stories But we’ve got three events left, so let’s get history of farming. They’re Day on Sunday, 7 October, by Shepherdess, broadcast in August, really in the sand and attempting to bodyboard! mountains and the coast is the one thing with you.” together and make a difference to our shores organising exhibitions of opening the apple store and giving showed in a gripping and inspiring film the once again. In October, we’ll be at Three Cliffs vintage tractors and machinery, behind-the-scenes tours, apple challenges around the future of farming and and in November we will call at Pennard Cliffs demonstrations of traditional pressing and identification. the investment and approach needed to and Hunts Bay, before reaching our final techniques, local food and craft guarantee the future. destination, Pwll Du, in December. stalls. It’s also our Heritage Open As the mist descends at the end The National Trust is perhaps fortunate in Shining the light on nature-friendly farming Day event, which means free entry of October, don’t forget the having the resources and capacity to do this, When we meet in Pwll Du, we’ll be celebrating to Llanerchaeron on the day. half-term celebrations. With but it also needed to be brave in pursuing a In Pembrokeshire, Peter and Gina at Trehill In Snowdonia, Hafod Las farm, the completion of the Big Beach Clean Challenge pumpkin carving, autumn activities bold vision. Farm have restored important coastal is working towards restoring on Gower and revealing the amount of litter Autumn is known as the season and Halloween walks, there’ll We realised we didn’t need to wait for habitat to allow a niche beef product nature rich ffridd habitat we’ve all collected throughout the year on our of the humble apple. In the be something for everyone. governments to change the narrative, but we business and quality Pembrokeshire through careful management beaches. walled garden, the ancient did realise it is ultimately governments that potatoes to thrive. For them, it was about including annual rush cutting to espalier trees, some of which Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ have to be brave and bold to tackle the wider managing parcels of land differently, create open space for ground Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gower date back to the 1800s, produce llanerchaeron challenge. light grazing and a drive to diversify. nesting birds like Curlew. I believe we are at a point with the future of farming and land management where there Gwarnoethle farm in To read more about our nature is no other choice before us than to be brave produces a precious combination of friendly farms visit 31 October, 10.30-12.30pm & 2pm- 31 October, 1pm-5pm Tudor Merchant’s House 23-25 November, 10am-5pm and bold in working together to create a new quality food, special wildlife and beautiful www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales What’s on 4pm Halloween at Southwood Farm Dinefwr Christmas fair harmony in the countryside that’s better for all. countryside. It’s predominately a sheep Halloween: wicker man workshop and A series of spooky activities, from 4 September-4 November, 11am-5pm Craft stalls and tasty treats, live 5 November-2 December, 11am-3pm and cattle farm, but through low intensity Pictured: Peter and Gina Smithies, Llanerchaeron campfire cooking broomstick making and face painting entertainment and Santa will be in his Create your very own wicker man to to creepy crafts and a scary spider trail. Tudor household trail grotto. management there are species rich Trehill Farm 22 September, 11am-4pm take home. Afterwards, warm up with Free. Look for the Tudor dolls hidden around meadows and semi-natural woodland, where Farming and Rural Life Celebration† our cooking on a campfire session. *NAP the house and find out what their jobs 8 December, 10.30am-4pm Justin Albert, Director for Wales wildlife and rare butterflies now thrive. A celebration with the Ceredigion Young + £4 per two-hour session. **BE (01834 were. *NAP. Free trail. Dolaucothi Gold Mines Southwood Farm Christmas Fair Farmers Clubs of the rich tradition 811885). 29 October-2 November, 11.30am- Browse stalls filled with arts, crafts and 28 October-4 November, 11am-5pm of Farming and Rural Life in the area. 3.30pm There’ll be vintage machinery, farm 17-18 November, 10am-4pm local produce. Free. Pomander making Ghastly Gold Mines animals, stalls and demonstrations, food Winter fair Come and have a go at making your own Guided, scheduled mine tours with an Get involved supporters’ groups near you and craft fair, children’s activities and Have a browse and enjoy a range pomander. *NAP + £1.50 per pomander. Stackpole added spine-tingling factor. *NAP. more. of stalls offering local art, craft and 1-23 December, 11am-3pm homemade goods. Free. 14 October, 10am-12.30pm ABERTAWE CENTRE ERYRI ASSOCIATION GWENT ASSOCIATION VALE OF GLAMORGAN ASSOCIATION 7 October, 11am-4pm A traditional Tudor Christmas Barafundle Bay Trailathlon Roger Knight Ann Davies Adrian Roberts Hywel Jenkins Apple day† Come and see the house traditionally Gower Run, make a splash and get muddy with 01792 401019 01248 722696 [email protected] [email protected] A day to celebrate the humble apple. North Pembrokeshire decorated and find out how the 8 October, 12pm-3pm an adrenaline-fuelled day of sporting [email protected] [email protected] Guided tours of the orchards, behind- Tudors celebrated the 12 days of Big Beach Clean: Three Cliffs 22 September & 6 October, 10am- activity on the Stackpole Estate. £20 per MEIRIONNYDD ASSOCIATION WREXHAM ASSOCIATION the-scenes tours of the apple store, Christmas. *NAP. Join us for the Big Beach Clean 12.30pm adult, £15 per child and £50 for family CEREDIGION ASSOCIATION FRIENDS OF ABERDULAIS FALLS Richard Withers Mr Selwyn Jones apple identification by experts and Challenge as we make our way around Seal pup walks, Pwll Deri entry (2 adults, 2 children). **BE (01646 Gillian Manton David Lyn Fishlock [email protected] 01978 841545 activities for the children. *NAP. the coast with our series of monthly See the annual arrival of the Atlantic 623110). Dinefwr 01970 627943 [email protected] [email protected] litter picks. 1-2 December, 11am-4pm grey seals and their pups below the cliffs [email protected] MENAI ASSOCIATION 29 October, 11am-3pm 26, 27 & 31 October, 8.15pm-9.15pm & Christmas fair† of Pwll Deri on a one-mile guided walk 27 October, 11.30am-3.30pm FRIENDS OF DYFFRYN GARDENS Roger Attwood Bushcraft drop-in day 9.30pm-10.30pm An annual festive favourite with craft with a National Trust ranger. Meet at Walk to the Worm CHIRKLANDS ASSOCIATION Clare Williamsonn 01248 470095 Have a go at bushcraft with our drop- Newton House after dark and food stalls, Santa’s grotto and Preseli Venture, Parcynole. £9 per adult, Walk with our rangers to discover the Lillie Hayward [email protected] [email protected] in day of activities. Learn the basics of Are you brave enough to join us on a more. £5 per adult. £6 per child includes tea or coffee and a wonders of Worms Head, the tidal island 01691 777753 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ woodland survival with our rangers. £5 torchlight tour? Short tour wheelchair bacon roll. **BE (01437 720385). at the far end of Rhosili. **BE. 10 Ceiriog Close, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5SB FRIENDS OF TREDEGAR HOUSE PEMBROKESHIRE ASSOCIATION per child. accessible. £15. **BE. Annie Parker Sheila Ashton supportergroups Colby Woodland Garden 13 & 27 October, 12pm-2pm 31 October, 12pm-2.30pm DYFFRYN CLWYD ASSOCIATION [email protected] 01437 731525 / 07817 407 566 16 December, 10.15am-12pm 27-31 October, 11am-4pm Seal pup walks, Marloes Peninsula Halloween at Rhosili Zara Fleming [email protected] 27 October-3 November, 10am-4pm Festive fun run October half-term† See the annual arrival of the Atlantic Join us on Rhosili beach to make weird [email protected] Build Colby’s wicker man Choose from 1.5 miles, 3 miles or Carve out some fun with us this October grey seals and their pups below the cliffs and wonderful creatures to celebrate Help us build a wicker man for the 6 miles. Enjoy a mince pie in the half-term. £3 for pumpkin and crafts. of the Deer Park on a two-mile guided underwater coastal life and enjoy wildflower meadow. The creation will Boathouse Tea-room afterwards. Free. walk with a National Trust ranger. £10 monster tales, as told by our rangers. For alternative formats: 01633 811659 or email [email protected] be on display at Colby in October, per adult, £7 per child including hot concluding with a bonfire celebration on drink and food. **BE (01437 720385). ©National Trust 2018. Registered charity no. 205846. Images: ©National Trust Images / Oskar Proctor, Mark Bolton, Jason Ingram, Malcolm Davies, Gary Bailey, Vaughan Thomas. 4 November (5pm-7pm). *NAP. *NAP Normal admission price, **BE Booking essential, † Buggy/wheelchair friendly events Printed on 60% recycled paper. Please recycle after use. Designed by W O Jones, Llangefni. Printed by Wyndeham Group Please visit the website for further event details.

2 Autumn 2018 Plenty to see and do. Go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales or follow us on NT Wales @NTWales and @YGCymru @NTWales Plenty to see and do. Go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales or follow us on NT Wales @NTWales and @YGCymru @NTWales Autumn 2018 3 North-East On your doorstep On your doorstep South-East Wales Wales A mountainous autumn challenge Winter well-being at Chirk Castle

In our busy, connected, always-on lives, it can sometimes be difficult to find time to stop, slow down or change direction.

But each New Year can bring the Home Farm and the 480-acre estate are both opportunity to kick off the old and make available. Please note there may be charges those changes that you’ve wanted to make, or booking requirements for some events or large or small. activities. Thousands walk the peaks of Pen y Fan and every year, traditionally from Pont ar Daf. Whether you are interested in improving your So step out of your comfort zone - be active, But few walkers realise that there’s a So this autumn, why not take on You can download the Cwm Llwch mindfulness, learning a new skill, building up learn, take notice, give and discover who you far more challenging starting point. Pen y Fan the hard way? You can horseshoe walk from our website to run our Trust 10k, walking the dog, or just want to be in 2019. trek past Llyn Cwm Llwch, the www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brecon- getting out to meet new people, there will If you start from Cwm Gwdi and legendary glistening lake and beacons. be plenty happening to get involved with. There will be activities from 2 to 31 January, follow the Cwm Llwch horseshoe Cwm Gwdi itself is steeped in There is no admission charge and the castle please check our website for details: walk, you can enjoy some of the history. We’d love to find out how you and gardens are closed, however facilities at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle. toughest walking in the Brecon enjoyed this walk. Please share your Beacons, whilst being rewarded Look for the remains of the former experiences with us on social media, with quieter paths and spectacular military camp, hidden amongst the find NTBreconBeacons on Facebook scenery. trees at the car park. and Twitter. Reverse Grotto Powis Castle reveals new chapter Swansea returns to and the Paths colliding at The opulent state rooms and formal gardens of Powis Castle tell us much about the wealthy Herbert family Erddig who made the castle their home for hundreds of years. Suffragettes Tredegar House Yet scratch beneath the surface and Herbert, 4th Earl of Powis, a governor this previously untold story to Exhibition The Imprisoned Powis hides an unexpected Second of the school. life using film, audio installations, This autumn we’re sharing the story of one of our kitchen maids whose World War story. dressed spaces and live employment sparked five generations of support for Tredegar House. Recent interviews with several ex- interpretation. As part of this year’s ‘National Soul revealed at From 1939-1946 the castle played host pupils tell an intriguing story of gym Trust theme’, Women & Power, Norah Rogers began volunteers in the house, to a group of pupils and teachers from classes in the Ballroom, midnight Visit from March 2019 and we’re paying tribute to local working in the kitchens while Steve’s daughter The Ashford Welsh Girls School who feasts, homesickness, school plays and experience what the war years heroes who paved the way for in 1917 under French and grandchildren were evacuated from Middlesex when the exciting discovery of a secret room were really like at Powis by getting women’s rights and equality - chef, Monsieur volunteer at our Dyffryn Gardens war was declared. which glittered with golden artefacts. involved with classroom activities, one hundred years ago. Vogel. family events. war-time craft, sports days and the The girls, aged 11-16, boarded at the Powis Castle, in partnership with preparations for the all-important Aberdulais is hosting an eight-week- Earning between ‘In her shoes’ A collection of four oil paintings by renowned Welsh artist, Margaret castle at the invitation of George Theatr Clwyd, will be bringing school play. long exhibition to honour those £10 and £12 will explore Lindsay Williams, has been revealed in an exciting discovery at who fought and won for future a year and Norah’s time at Dyffryn House and Gardens. generations of women to vote, with working 16 Tredegar House The gift of giving will be the festive focus for the team at Erddig events and activities throughout hours a day, she and how her Margaret Lindsay Williams (1888- Library. Measuring five feet by six again this Christmas. September and October. would often be life would have 1960) was a highly successful and feet, it depicts a woman tempted busy preparing contrasted with well-regarded Welsh artist. She by material things. Skeletal hands Our historic house is joining forces with the Wrexham foodbank to The exhibition will allow visitors to the eight-course the Lady of the was commissioned to paint King hold a tempting tray of jewels, help make a difference to local families in North East Wales, for the hear suffragette stories and learn banquets so often House. George V, Queen Mary, The Queen while her soul is locked away in a fourth year running. We’re encouraging visitors to enjoy the gift of more about this historic revolution. enjoyed by Lord Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. prison cell. It reflects Williams’s giving and leave a donation for the local foodbank at our ‘reverse and Lady Tredegar Follow in their In 1921, she painted the American dark and religious themes that grotto’. Children can make a suffragette at the time. footsteps, as they President, Warren G Harding, caused political controversy, badge to wear or a banner to wave, lead you into the past, and became the first female following her focus on death in The Joiners’ shop will be transformed into an Elves’ workshop and as learning about the movement. Norah left her service in see where their paths artist represented in Washington the Great War. The other three each weekend visitors who bring a gift can meet Father Christmas free 1921 to marry but as a beloved would have collided and DC's National Portrait Gallery of paintings were found in a back of charge, to pass on their donations. He’ll be thrilled that we’re trying The exhibition will run from member of staff, she was asked to those areas they would not have Presidents. room behind the kitchen. to help him in his quest to help the less fortunate this Christmas time. 2 September to 26 October, with return to cook when the Prince of ventured to. Normal admission applies. tours, workshops and activities, so Wales came to visit. The most notable painting, The You can support the restoration don’t miss the chance to join us. ‘In her shoes’ will run every day Imprisoned Soul, (dated 1920) was of The Imprisoned Soul by donating In 2017 the foodbank delivered 1868 three-day food parcels to people Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Today, Norah’s grandson Steve, between 24 September to 26 found tucked away, leaning against online at: www.nationaltrust.org. referred by local agencies. aberdulais and his wife Ros, are regular October. a wall in Dyffryn's White uk/dyffryn-gardens

8-23 December, 10am-4pm Weekends 1-24 December, foodbank this Christmas. Come and 1-23 December, 12pm-4pm 14 & 21 December, 5.30pm-8pm 7, 14, 21 December, 6pm-7.30pm & 8, 9 & 15, 16 December, 10.30am- The Kymin What’s on Christmas at Chirk Castle 9am & 5pm say a quick hello to Father Christmas, Christmas afternoon tea† What’s on Victorian Christmas† 6.30pm-8pm 3.30pm For some previous owners Chirk was Meet Father Christmas who’ll be in our elves’ workshop at In the hectic run up to Christmas, take Join us for a candlelit walk to the Yuletide Tours Meet Father Christmas 20 October, 1pm–4pm Chirk Castle a fantasy castle, full of dressing up, Create magical memories with your weekends to say thank you for your time out to relax with loved ones over a waterfall, enjoy story-telling with Mr and Discover more about the Morgan family’s Meet the man in red to receive your gift Spinning demonstration pageantry, music and pantomime. This family and join Father Christmas for donation. *NAP. delicious afternoon tea. £12.95 or £16.95 Mrs Claus. *NAP. own festive traditions and the tales of and have a go at some crafts too. *NAP Spinner Annie will be demonstrating her Weekends only, 10 November- Aberdulais festive period we will be embracing breakfast or Christmas dinner in our with a glass of prosecco. **BE. Charles Morgan, who celebrated the + £7. craft with a chance for you to have a go 2 December, 10am-4pm 27 October-4 November, 11am-3.30pm Chirk’s theatrical past with themed Hayloft restaurant. **BE (online or season with gusto across a two week at ‘drop spindling’ and ‘hand carding’, ‘Under the covers’ tours decorations, games, music, costume call 0344 249 1895). Lift available to Powis Castle and Garden Autumn half-term fun† Tredegar House period of frivolities. £12.50 per person. 24 November-6 January, 10am-4pm two traditional techniques used when On these volunteer led tours you can Get outdoors this half-term and enjoy **BE (online). (last entry 3pm) and entertainments. Some areas are restaurant on first floor. 30 November-16 December, 27 October–4 November, 10.30-4pm spinning. *NAP. see some of the work that takes place buggy/wheelchair accessible; please call 5pm-9pm the spooky trail or one of our 50 things O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree Starts 1 December The secret life of hedgehogs behind the scenes to keep Chirk Castle activities. *NAP. We will be telling the story of Dyffryn 27–29 October, 11am–4pm if you are unsure. *NAP. National Trust Illuminated gardens† Walk a mile in a hedgehog’s shoes on an looking special. Timed tickets, available Erddig winter toybox trail† Dyffryn Gardens through a series of decorated trees members free Brighten up your dark winter nights *NAP Normal admission price interactive trail and learn how to take Family Halloween fun on the day. Limited availability. Off- Join us for a playful look at the Yorke 31 October, 5.30pm-8pm displayed around the house and with a stroll around our spectacular care of the hedgehogs living in your 27-31 October, 11am-3pm Make some spook-tacular crafts or hunt peak admission applies. National Trust family’s toy collection. Discover toys **BE Booking essential Spooky valleys† garden. Learn about the family, their Erddig illuminated garden. *NAP. garden. *NAP. Pumpkin carving for eerie items in the woodland trail; lots members free. scattered around the garden and † Buggy/wheelchair friendly Join us this Halloween for the first of business and the gardens through the Get into the Halloween spirit and carve of family fun with prizes. *NAP + £2 per 6-28 October, 10am-5pm outbuildings and explore surprising 5 December, 8pm our after dark experiences, and discover unconventional decorations. *NAP. 24-31 October, 10am-4pm events 24-25 November, 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22 trail (accompanying adults free). Apple harvest † installations. *NAP. Carols in the Ballroom with Chester Aberdulais like you’ve never seen a gruesome face ready to scare your Pumpkin Carving† December, 10.30am-4pm Enjoy a feast for the senses this autumn St. Cecilia singers. before. *NAP. **BE. neighbours. *NAP + £4. Try your hand at pumpkin carving. We Weekends 1-23 December, 11am-3pm with apple talks and trails, cider press Get into the festive spirit by joining Please visit the website Christmas traditions at Tredegar House *NAP Normal admission price have everything you need to make your Erddig reverse grotto† Please visit the website demonstrations and a variety of music us for our annual carol concert in the for further event details. We adorn our 17th-century mansion **BE Booking essential own monstrous masterpiece. £4 per Enjoy the gift of giving by leaving for further event details. and entertainment throughout the beautiful setting of our ballroom. £10 house in traditional decorations, from pumpkin. a donation for our local Wrexham † Buggy/wheelchair friendly events month. *NAP. per adult, £5 per child. *BE. garlands to wreaths. *NAP.

4 Autumn 2018 Plenty to see and do. Go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales or follow us on NT Wales @NTWales and @YGCymru @NTWales Plenty to see and do. Go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales or follow us on NT Wales @NTWales and @YGCymru @NTWales Autumn 2018 5 North-West On your doorstep Wales A red squirrel bridge and a new hide to celebrate 100 squirrels in 10 years

Six red squirrels were re-introduced to Plas Newydd in 2008 and thanks to a successful breeding programme, the population now numbers over 100.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of visitors to sit, relax and view these The hide has been designed and this conservation achievement, Plas adorable creatures in their natural built by the National Trust Woodland Newydd is inviting you to a host of habitat. Rangers at Glan Faenol from wood woodland and red squirrel events milled from fallen trees. It can host throughout October. The appeal has also raised money 12 visitors and will serve as a learning to open a squirrel bridge, spanning room for rangers to conduct walks A highlight is the arrival of a new the busy road next to the property, and talks about Anglesey reds. squirrel hide, funded by the Plas to reduce the numbers of red Newydd Red Squirrel Appeal, for squirrels killed by cars and help To see red squirrels at Plas Newydd, Red Squirrel Month in October. It them to populate neighbouring ask at the Visitor Centre, or join one will provide the perfect location for woodlands. of our daily walks.

Snowdonia’s wonderful woodlands of diversity

Woodlands shelter a huge diversity of wildlife, provide fuel and timber for local buildings, and they just make us feel good.

But extreme weather events, invasive species and overgrazing threaten the long-term prospects of woodlands. So our rangers, volunteers and even some cattle, work hard throughout the year to maintain healthy woodlands. These 'temperate rainforests' need Why not get to know a beautiful to be kept airy but shady, with woodland this autumn? In Snowdonia, Each year, hundreds of hectares of help from our trusted conservation look out for paths in the Meirionnydd woodlands in Snowdonia are cleared grazers - the highland cattle. Rangers Oakwoods, including Dolmelynllyn. of invasive rhododendron shrubs have also been working with farmers, and their seedlings. Meanwhile, volunteers and groups to plant more Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ in some of our oldest woodlands trees, including ‘sabre planting,’ an trails/-rhaeadr-ddu-and-coed- at Dolmelynllyn, rare lichens and innovative approach that allows us ganllwyd-walk mosses are encouraged to carpet to plant trees where sheep continue tree trunks and the ground. to graze. Penrhyn Castle’s woodland is opening up to visitors

‘Unbind the Wing’ at Bodnant This year saw the unveiling of Cwt Ogwen, our new wooden hide, nestling in the woodland alongside the Ogwen River. Bodnant Garden will be filled with ‘Unbind the Wing’ opens on 26 a rainbow of colourful banners in September, when you’re invited The hide was designed and built John Whitley, Head Ranger, honour of the centenary of Votes to the opening of a new garden by the National Trust Woodland said: “The view from the hide for Women this autumn. trail and the unveiling of a willow Ranger team; a group of 10 staff is stunning and encompasses sculpture by Trevor Leat. and volunteers based at Glan most of what makes It’s a tribute to three women of Faenol. special. It looks out through the Bodnant who were at the forefront Pigtown Theatre will replicate the woods across a fast-flowing river, PRI of the suffrage fight. SCILLA Edwardian suffrage rallies during The team is also developing a past floodplain and woodland.” the afternoon of inspirational new and natural adventure play LAURA Banners played a big part in the words, music and song – when area and a wooden boardwalk, to The hide and woodland are open suffrage rallies of the Edwardian era banners will be unfurled. allow visitors to explore deeper daily throughout the year, except

and this project is just one of the AGNES into the woodland, taking in Christmas day. Green Wood ways we’re honouring Lady Laura And you can walk in the footsteps stunning views and fresh autumn workshops will be held on 10 McLaren, her mother Agnes Pochin Staff and volunteers have been of the women of Bodnant on our air. Both projects should be & 11 and 17 & 18 November and and her mother-in-law Priscilla Bright working with visitors, community garden trail, using newly-uncovered completed in 2019 and visitors Woodland Ranger Thursdays will McLaren, who spent 60 long years groups and a local artist, creating archive material which tells their are encouraged to see work run from 10 January 2019 until the campaigning for women’s suffrage. modern-day ‘protest’ banners. story. progressing. end of February.

31 October Weekends only 24 November- 14 October, 10.30am-3.30pm Porth y Swnt What’s on Woodland Wednesday 16 December, 11am-4pm Autumn poetry workshop Join the amazing Wild Elements team A Penrhyn Christmas Join local poet Garry Chilton for a 31 October, 6pm-7.30pm Plas Newydd House and during half-term. *NAP. Make time for a traditional Christmas creative day in nature, starting with Spooky Halloween trail at Penrhyn with wreath-making a tour of the garden for inspiration Are you brave enough to take on our Gardens workshops, Christmas printing activities followed by a workshop in the Old Mill. spooky trail around Porth y Swnt? £2.50 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 October, Penrhyn Castle and Garden and traditional food demonstrations in £5. **BE (01492 650460). per child. 8am-10am Daily until 4 November, 12pm-4pm the Victorian Kitchen. £6 per wreath. Squirrel breakfast Harrison’s Garden **BE (online). 15 October, 11am Join our Red Squirrel Rangers for a Last chance to see artist Luke Jerram’s Birds of Bodnant walk special guided walk to feed the Plas installation of thousands of clocks inside Join an expert and see how many birds Newydd reds – before enjoying a hearty the unloved rooms of the Castle. *NAP. Bodnant Garden you can spot. Full event details www. nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden. cooked breakfast and tea or coffee in 12 September, 10am-12pm the Old Dairy café. £15. **BE (01248 20-21 October, 12pm-4pm & 27 **BE (01492 650460). Head Gardener’s walk 714795 ). October-4 November, 12pm-4pm Join our head gardener for a special *NAP Normal admission price The ghosts of Penrhyn Castle guided tour of the garden, taking in 6-7, 13-14 October, 11am–4pm Plas yn Rhiw **BE Booking essential Follow the spooky silhouettes and learn all the late summer and early autumn Autumn art about the spectres that haunt the Castle highlights. £15. **BE (01492 650460). 27 October, 11am-3pm † Buggy/wheelchair friendly Let the views and autumn colour inspire events and the traditions of Calan Gaeaf. *NAP. Add on a two-course lunch at the Autumn adventures you to create your very own masterpiece Pavilion tea-room for £10 per person Celebrate the autumn and get ready with our special guest artists. Art Please visit the website for further **BE. for Halloween with scary activities and materials supplied. *NAP. event details. spooky trail. £3 per child.

6 Autumn 2018 Plenty to see and do. Go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales or follow us on NT Wales @NTWales and @YGCymru @NTWales