Min-yr-afon Wood

Wood, Forest in Flintshire

Wales

Min-yr-afon Wood

Church Cottage, Overton Credit: Chris Andrews

Min-yr-Afon Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Flintshire, Wales. Covering an area of approximately 40 hectares, it is nestled along the banks of the River Alyn, near the village of Rhydymwyn. The woodland is managed by Natural Resources Wales and is part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Min-yr-Afon Wood boasts an impressive variety of tree species, including oak, ash, silver birch, and beech. The dense canopy provides a habitat for numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of bluebells, wood sorrel, and wild garlic during the spring months, creating a vibrant and fragrant display.

Visitors to Min-yr-Afon Wood can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, which offer an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna within the woodland. The paths meander alongside the river and through shaded areas, providing a peaceful and tranquil environment for walkers, nature enthusiasts, and families alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Min-yr-Afon Wood holds historical significance. During World War II, the woodland was used as a site for the Royal Ordnance Factory, where explosives were manufactured. Today, remnants of the factory, such as concrete structures and bomb craters, can still be seen, serving as a reminder of the area's wartime past.

Min-yr-Afon Wood is a cherished natural gem in Flintshire, offering a delightful escape into nature and a glimpse into the region's history.

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Min-yr-afon Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.974784/-2.9618416 or Grid Reference SJ3542. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church Cottage, Overton

Chris Andrews

Dispensary Row, Overton

Built around 1800.

Chris Andrews

Cattle grazing in a field by the River Dee

With a distant view of the Welsh hills.

John H Darch

Dead-end road above the River Dee

John H Darch

Gate with a view

Though the River Dee, in the valley, is hidden from view.

John H Darch

River Dee flood

Flood waters at their highest looking West outside St Hilary's Church, Erbistock on the road to the Boat Inn on the 6 February 2011. The sundial pillar is on the right. Compare this to the normal river level shown in older picture "The River Dee near the church at Erbistock" by Eirian Evans.

Andrew Wilson

St Hilary's church Erbistock in spring

Linnet

Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road, Overton-on-Dee

Dating from the early 19th century these cottages are just a part of the rich architectural heritage of Overton.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the High Street in Overton-on-Dee

Nice to see a traditional butcher's shop trading in a village, plus an open pub. Some shops have closed and the convenience store is currently on the market but Overton seems to be a thriving village.

Jeremy Bolwell

An ancient Yew tree in Overton-on-Dee churchyard

This particular Yew tree may well be around 2,000 years old. (Let's assume 2012 for sake of convenience). The twenty-one Yews in the churchyard are all classed as ancient, except one planted by our present Queen on a visit in the last few years. The Yews are of course one of 'the Seven Wonders of Wales.'

Jeremy Bolwell

The church of St. Mary the Virgin in Overton-on-Dee

A pretty and well kept church surrounded by its 21 ancient yew trees. A Christian religious site may well have existed here since the 5th or 6th century, initially in the form of a simple oratory, becoming a church building in the medieval period. The use of this spot for religious purposes may well even pre-date the advent of Christianity.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the Maelor Way near Overton-on-Dee

Not one of the most scenic sections of the waymarked trail.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the Maelor Way between Overton-on-Dee and the River Dee

The path crosses water meadows on the floodplain of the mighty river.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the Maelor Way below Overton

Houses in Overton can be seen high above the old floodplain of the river.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the River Dee / Afon Dyfrdwy near Overton

A typical section of river bank in this area with the river licking past at quite a rate. In early spring it is already busy with pairs of ducks and waterfowl. I also saw some fish jumping.

Jeremy Bolwell