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Geosite

This geosite was formerly the site of limestone mines that were active between 1770 and about 1835 when groundwater inflows made the mining uneconomic and the lakes formed as the groundwater levels equalised.

These mines were extracting the Silurian, Much Wenlock Limestone Formation strata that outcrop within the arboretum site. By 1874 the area was turned into an arboretum and lake site. In 1951 the first night-time illuminations were done as part of the ‘Festival of Britain’ and these became a feature until a few years ago. The site contains a glacial boulder with interpretation adjacent to the main lake.

Facilities at the site have been dramatically improved through a major redevelopment project and now include, a visitor centre/cafe, bandstand and boating with a network of footpaths including a nature trail and long distance path that links this site with the geosite Hay Head . It is an important geotourism and recreational site of the geopark, and is in close proximity to the geotrail, museum and art gallery in the town centre.

Geosite facilities

There is a visitor centre providing geopark leaflets and information on visitor attractions, a café selling hot and cold beverages and refreshments, toilet facilities and on street car parking with charges. For more information call +44 (0) 1922 654318.

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