New trail to help century-old Morriston park attract new visitors

The council says that the addition of its new nature trail makes Morriston Park – more than a century old and still at the heart of the community – even more appealing to local people. 

The trail – officially opened on Tuesday, July 25, to coincide with Wales Nature Week (July 22-30) – was created by Swansea Council, local councillors and the Friends of Morriston Park volunteer group. 

It has been funded by a grant through the Welsh Government Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being (ENRaW) scheme and delivered as part of a regional partnership known as Connecting Green Infrastructure Southwest Wales which improves green spaces. 

The park’s attractions include woodland features, a pond, meadows, a playground and wildlife areas with views of the Swansea Valley. The trail highlights how visitors can see birds, greenery, bats, insects and other natural treasures. 

Council leader Rob Stewart, who attended the launch, said: “I hope the trail will encourage people to visit parts of the park they’ve not previously been to. 

“It’ll help them recognise and understand features they might not already have noticed. “

As the council tackles the climate crisis and nature emergency we’re doing all we can to allow people to enjoy the natural world and to help Swansea hit its 2050 net zero target. 

“It’s also fantastic that, during the ongoing cost of living crisis, local people now have another free attraction to enjoy and to boost their wellbeing.” 

The 800m-long trail uses previously laid Tarmac paths. It features a welcome panel and a series of seven information posts, each with a wildlife-themed rubbing plaque and facts about the surrounding area’s natural environment. 

Mary Jones, chair of the friends group, said: “We’re delighted that this beautiful new trail has opened. I thank all those who’ve given support in securing this excellent addition to the park. 

“It’s an exciting addition to the park; those who walk the trail will discover and celebrate nature. 

“It’s family friendly and suitable for all ages and it’s a good place to visit during the long school holidays – so we look forward to seeing lots of people there!”   

A new nature trail is also planned for Glyncollen Woods, Ynysforgan. 

Lead image: Celebrating the official launch of Morriston Park’s nature trail are, from left: Mary Jones, acting chair/secretary of the Friends of Morriston Park; council officer David Phillips; council leader Rob Stewart; council deputy leader Andrea Lewis; Sian Price, of the friends group’s nature conservation group; council officer Kathryn Thomas. (Image: Swansea Council)