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Bonc yr Hafod is a country park on the site of Hafod Colliery near Johnstown in North Wales. The park is a mixture of woodland and meadow on a hill, made from mining waste dug up from the coal shafts and tunnels deep underground. The mine once employed over 1900 local people, mainly from the nearby villages of Rhos, Ponciau and Johnstown. The pit was closed in 1968. In the mid 1990’s the spoil heap from the mine was landscaped and the soil improved to allow trees to be planted and grassland to grow. The success of the reclamation of the spoil heap is reflected in the diverse and beautiful habitats present at Hafod. Use the links below to discover more about Hafods rich mining history, its transition to a beautiful country park, its way marked trails and its national importance as a wildlife habitat.
“Its 6pm and Hafods Hooter is blowing! The afternoon shift is over. Time to put the potatoes on, by the time they are done, our husbands and sons will be home” The Hafod Hooter (pictured left) could be heard for miles around and was used to signal the end of a shift at Hafod Colliery.
Walks
Bonc yr Hafods beautiful countryside, interesting mining history and wonderful views, make it an excellent place to go for a walk. The park has mile after mile of quiet pathways criss-crossing the park in all directions. Most of these paths were installed
History
300 million years ago, the atmosphere was very rich in oxygen and carbon dioxide. This promoted the growth of lush forests inhabited by huge fern-leaved trees and giant insects. Over millions of years, a thick layer of dead trees and plants built
Nature
Bonc yr Hafod Country Park forms part of the Johnstown Special Area of Conservation(SAC), which is a specially protected area which includes Hafod, Stryt Las and much of the surrounding land. The park is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI)
