Parc Taf Bargoed

Parc Taf Bargoed is totally unexpected. Imagine the site of three coalmines landscaped:

Open parkland ?

Woodland ?

Children's Play Area ?

Yes, all these and more!

A coal dram with real coal welcomes visitors

The centrepiece is a series of lakes and cascades created along the length of the river, Afon Bargoed Taf, previously submerged when the pits were active. Angling and kayaking groups form an important part in the story of this place. Wild flowers, butterflies, otters, have all been encouraged and returned.

 

A dipping pond and dog paddling pond have been constructed to try to provide for human visitors without disturbing visiting water birds on the lakes.

 

 

Iron seeping from the top pit can be witnessed in a large rust-coloured pond. This liquid used to discolour and pollute the river. It has now been filtered through reed beds, ensuring nothing enters the river but clear water.

 



Water from the pit before being filtered through the reeds.

At the top of the site a large indoor climbing centre caters for all comers - novice to expert, and a cup of tea is available for those less energetic, should the onsite hut be closed.

 

A restful place to spend a day enjoying nature and man's ingenuity in enabling plants and wildlife to recolonise this once derelict industrial site. I can only imagine the comments that would have been made by men who worked underground here. They would have seen this as an industrial site covered in coal dust and soot. Its now a truly remarkable reclamation by nature.



blossom of the buddleia, the butterfly bush

 http://www.visitmerthyr.co.uk/attractions/parc-taf-bargoed/nature-environment.aspx

 

Meadowsweet - its scent flavours the air.