In the early 2000’s a group of people were interested in promoting the wellbeing, skills and employability for those whose disabilities and/or circumstances prevented them accessing mainstream opportunities. They applied to the European Social Fund (ESF) for financial support and this enabled Wrexham Work Opportunities, the Welsh College of Horticulture, Mencap Cymru and the Wrexham Disability Forum to create “The Erlas Garden Project”. Further financial help from the Rural Development Fund of Wales and generous support from the Morgan Foundation led to a major restoration programme being completed in September 2006. A derelict and forgotten area was transformed with restored perimeter walls, reconstructed garden buildings (the bothies), a Welsh Oak timber framed glasshouse and a new education building.
Subsequently volunteers and beneficiaries have cleared the 1.3 hectares of land, created a wildlife area including a bog garden, made pathways through the wooded area, and constructed bird and bat boxes and hides. There is now also a nature trail, orchard, local provenance seed area and a pond.
