Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Maes y Pant or wondering how you can get involved as a volunteer or Friend of the reserve, we’ve gathered answers to the questions we’re asked most often. If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Maes y Pant is a 72-acre community-managed nature reserve and former quarry located between Gresford and Marford in North East Wales. It offers woodland walks, a rich variety of wildlife, and is open to everyone, free of charge.
The name is Welsh for “Hollow Field”, reflecting the landscape of the site.
The site is owned and managed by Maes y Pant Action Group Ltd (MyPAG), a registered charity run entirely by local volunteer trustees.
Yes. At its northern edge, Maes y Pant connects to Marford Quarry, which is managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust, with free access between the two reserves.
The main entrance and car park are off Pant Lane, Gresford, Wrexham LL12 8HB. The Arriva 1 Wrexham-Chester bus route stops nearby at The Red Lion, Marford, a short walk from the entrance.
Yes, there is a small car park off Pant Lane, and entry to the site is free.
The site is open during daylight hours only; access between dusk and dawn is not permitted.
The woodland has a mix of surfaced and unsurfaced paths with some slopes, uneven ground and steps, so accessibility varies by route. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet weather.
There are NO toilets at Maes y Pant.
Visitors will find a car park, benches, information boards and a network of paths and viewpoints throughout the reserve.
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept under control, kept on a lead in signed Dog Control Areas, and owners must clean up after them using the bins provided at the entrances.
Call 999 and give the location as Maes y Pant, Pant Lane, Gresford, Wrexham, LL12 8HU.
Please email mypag.gresford@icloud.com to report fallen trees, damaged structures or other safety concerns.
Yes, organised group visits are welcome. Group leaders should read the Code of Use and Site Safety information and carry out their own risk assessment before visiting.
As a natural woodland, hazards can include uneven paths, tree roots, slopes, mud, low branches, falling branches in bad weather, and stinging plants or insects.
No. Fires, barbecues, fireworks and sky lanterns are all strictly prohibited on site.
The Corsican pines planted in the 1970s were densely packed and blocked light and rain from reaching the woodland floor. Licensed selective felling has been carried out to improve biodiversity and let native species regenerate.
Visit our page Become a Friend
This is a scheme for local businesses to support Maes y Pant financially while gaining recognition for their environmental commitment — visit our Business Friends page for details.
Volunteers help with practical conservation work, planting and maintenance. Visit our Volunteering page for more details.
A small range of Maes y Pant branded merchandise is available to support the site — visit the Merchandise page for details.
Through grants, donations and fundraising, including support from organisations such as Better Woodlands for Wales, Gresford Community Council and the Lloyds Bank Community Fund, alongside many local donors over the years.
Yes, MyPAG has historically held Friends meetings, coffee mornings, scarecrow trail entries and fundraising events — check our Facebook page for what’s currently planned.
By email at mypag.gresford@icloud.com, via Facebook (@MaesyPant), or using the contact form on here.