THE Mayor of Wrexham aped adventurer Bear Grylls when he unveiled a new natural play area.
Cllr Ian Roberts joined pupils of Eyton Primary School to launch the Wolf’s Den play area at Erddig.
The two-acre play area was named after Hugh d’Avranches, who was known as the ‘Wolf’ and who built the motte and bailey castle in Big Wood on the Erddig estate.
Bracken, brambles and nettles have been cleared to make way for den building, carved steps to climb, balancing beams, tree posts, bridges and a rope swing.
The civic leader and guests toasted bannock bread on the campfire at the launch yesterday.
Cllr Roberts said: “The mayoress and I are delighted to be invited to visit the new natural play area at Erddig.
“I know the estates team have been working really hard on this project.”
The space will be used for bushcraft courses, environmental learning and forest school activities with local schools, Erddig’s Youth Club and Young Rangers.
Bushcraft courses will involve foraging for food, learning how to safely harvest and cook the wild garlic, nettles, fungi and berries and much more.
There are 12 different varieties of trees in Big Wood, including Sycamore, Larch, Oak, Hornbeam, Yew and Willow.
Saul Burton, head of parks and gardens at Erddig, added: “I am so proud of the team.
“Every piece of play equipment has been created by staff and volunteers, using resources in the wood.
“Even the wood chipping from the recent conservation work undertaken on the lime trees has been used.
“We’ve fully tested the equipment, so we know there’s something for everyone.”
The new play area forms part of the National Trust’s 50 Things to do before 11¾ campaign, which also includes bug hunting, running around in the rain and making mud pies.
Property manager Jamie Watson said: “Visitors to Erddig can let their imaginations run wild.
“They can travel back in time, explore secret walled gardens and now, in Wolf’s Den unleash untold adventures.”