MEMBERS of the public were invited to learn about the past, present and future of the Brymbo Iron and Steel Works site near Wrexham.

Over the weekend, more than 100 people attended the Brymbo Heritage Area to explore the Iron and Steel Works site and the 300 million year old fossil forest through guided tours.

The event was held by the Brymbo Heritage Trust, who aim to restore the site and surrounding landscape as a visitor attraction, learning centre, country park and space for community events, all anchored on the industrial buildings, its associated landscape and the Brymbo Fossil Forest.

The open day gave people the option of booking onto a guided walking tour of the site, or a 4x4 tour which went further afield.

Leon Bowen, activities co-ordinator, has been organising the open days since February and he said each one is as successful as the last.

He added: “It was a successful day and we’ve had really good feedback from members of the public which is always good.

“We’ve also had really good feedback about our enthusiastic volunteers and people wanting to get involved in the project as well as the different tours, people really enjoyed them.

“The weather was good as well, it held up for us which was a bonus as our site is mainly outdoors.”

The organisers arrange four open days a year to give new people the chance to see what the area is all about.

Dr Tim Astrop was also on hand to give more information about the fossil forrest.

The activities co-ordinator added: “Personally, my grandparents and great grandparents worked at the steel works and for me, I’m really happy I’m involved in the regeneration.

“It’s that community spirit and it was a big employer for the area back in the day so it would be good to get that interest back and get people involved in it.

“It’s about getting the community and surrounding areas involved and bringing people to North Wales. It would be good to get the destination on the map and for people to want to travel from all over the world to visit what we are all about, so we need as much support as possible.”

Leon said those attending learned the important history as well as meeting the present new team and their current ideas and learning more about future developments of the site and seeing it for themselves.

More information about the heritage area and the open days can be found on their website.