Discovering Limestone Landscapes
Limestone is a special feature of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and forms some of the most scenic and remarkable landscapes in Denbighshire, places like Loggerheads, Eglwyseg Escarpment, Prestatyn Hillside and Bryn Alyn.
A new publication produced by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley (AONB), celebrates these landscapes and provides an introductory guide to how limestone was formed, it special geological features, associated archaeological features, industrial and natural heritage, together with a series of suggested walks to encourage people to experience the best limestone landscapes within the area. A copy of the booklet can be viewed at http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/geodiversity/ , or pick up a copy from Loggerheads Country Park.
The special heritage of the limestone landscape at Loggerheads Country Park has also been captured in a short film created by pupils from Ysgol Tir Morfa in Rhyl working with artist Rob Spaull of Mediapod. (click here to view the film I need to send you the link – just waiting for one logo to go on). The pupils became film writers, producers, presenters, illustrators and camera crew, with fantastic results. A second film shows the children interviewing John Morris, the Park’s Warden about the park and his work, which has a surprising twist at the end (click here to view this film).
In a second art project, the Community First Walking Group from Rhyl have created a beautiful mosaic designed by Julie Rogers of Illuminarte. The piece captures what is special about Loggerheads, the limestone, the Park’s industrial past, mining, plants such as herb paris, rockrose and bloody cranes bill, the birds and butterflies that are found and also the connection of the area with Liverpool and the Crosville Bus Company.
These two art projects were delivered as a partnership between Denbighshire Countryside and Art Services. The projects were only made possible through the support of the funders Natural Resources Wales, Art Council and the Sustainable Development Fund who have supported various elements of the work, delivered as part of two wider projects, Active Alyn Valley and Limestone Legacy. Limestone habitat management and access improvement works have also been completed under these schemes. We hope that these projects will show people what fantastic geological heritage we have here on our doorstep, increase people’s awareness and understanding about limestone and hopefully help care for its special features in the future.
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