One of North Wales’s cherished heritage sites is seeking new trustees to join a team driving an ambitious 10-year redevelopment strategy. The Greenfield Valley Trust, which oversees the historic 70-acre site near Holywell, has plans for a multi-million pound revitalisation project designed to sensitively develop and conserve this popular destination’s unique history, natural beauty, and visitor appeal.
The Trust’s project aims to unlock the potential of Greenfield Valley’s 2,000 years of history, creating a sustainable and engaging environment around its lakes, streams, ancient monuments, museum, woodland paths, tearoom, and bistro. The initiative also seeks to boost visitor numbers, with a target to position Greenfield Valley among the top ten attractions in North Wales, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually.
The board has seen new trustees join recently, including Martin Williams, director of St Asaph-based Radar PR, and marketing professional Samantha Lambert, who is also known for her work in animal rights. They now join existing trustees and chair Brenda Harvey, who along with the other board members brings a wealth of experience across fields such as education, town planning, tourism, communications, and architecture.
Ms Harvey explained that the Trust is eager to add expertise in business planning, conservation, and legal matters to drive its next phase. “Our trustees and dedicated volunteers are central to shaping and maintaining the vision for Greenfield Valley,” she said. “Each member brings unique skills and a shared passion for making the Valley a destination that preserves our heritage while enhancing the natural environment. We know people’s time is precious, but this is a chance to be part of something transformative for our community.”
The plans include projects to make Greenfield Valley’s scheduled monuments fully accessible, enhance wildlife habitats, and pursue net-zero carbon status by 2050 in line with Welsh Government goals. Other objectives include increasing public access to the museum’s artefacts, creating new community-focused experiences, and maintaining the Valley’s green spaces as part of a carbon offset initiative. The Trust’s vision also includes hosting over 200 community-focused activities annually.
Martin Williams, a Rhyl native who fondly recalls visiting Greenfield Valley as a child, urged others to join the initiative, noting the site’s blend of history, education, and natural beauty. “This Valley has always been a place of peace and discovery for me. With its untapped areas and regeneration potential, it offers opportunities for even more visitors to connect with the Valley’s unique landscape and heritage. I’m excited to be part of this effort and encourage others who feel a connection to this special place to get involved.”
Samantha Lambert, from Pen-y-ffordd, sees the redevelopment as a major boon for the region’s economy and the local environment. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, early studies and concept designs include improvements from St Winefride’s Well Gateway to Battery Pool and Meadow Mill Pool. “These plans offer a new vision that will bring positive environmental impacts and increase visitor engagement,” she said. “For me, as a lifelong visitor to the Valley, it’s a privilege to help bring this vision to life. We’re looking for others who can lend their expertise to make it a reality.”
Those interested in joining the Trust can learn more at Greenfield Valley’s website.
