Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Wrexham County Borough Green Belt is a planning designation established in Wales to control urban expansion and maintain the rural character surrounding the town of Wrexham. The green belt covers areas surrounding Wrexham, connecting a series of smaller villages and hamlets while protecting agricultural land and natural habitats. It plays a critical role in preserving local biodiversity, including pockets of woodland, farmland, and river corridors. Although the green belt itself is not a single contiguous park or forest, it includes several walking and cycling routes that offer residents and visitors opportunities to engage with the outdoors in a largely unspoiled rural environment. The green belt provides a buffer to prevent the coalescence of towns and villages, maintaining the distinctiveness of the region's communities. Historically, this area developed as a mix of agricultural land and small settlements, with some areas reflecting historic Welsh rural landscapes. Popular routes within or adjacent to the green belt allow access to river valleys such as the River Clywedog and ridge lines of gentle hills, which offer broad views across the borough. The area's open spaces and green corridors contribute to wildlife habitats, including bird species, small mammals, and native plants. For visitors, the green belt offers accessible outdoor recreation close to urban centers, ideal for hiking, cycling, and nature watching. The designation is important for long-term landscape conservation as Wrexham continues to grow.
