I recently had the chance to visit Stori Brymbo to provide feedback on their developing disability access. As someone who grew up in the village, I thought I was familiar with its history—but nothing prepared me for the incredible discoveries hidden beneath its surface. What started as a review of accessibility quickly became a journey into a remarkable past that stretches back over 300 million years.
My visit was part of the early-stage accessibility planning for Stori Brymbo, and I was asked to give my honest views on the facilities, share my personal experience as a wheelchair user, and suggest practical improvements to make the site more inclusive. It’s encouraging to see organisations like Brymbo Heritage Trust involving disabled voices right from the start, not as an afterthought.
But this wasn’t just a practical visit—it quickly turned into an unforgettable journey through time.
When I was invited to visit Stori Brymbo to assess the site’s disability access and offer feedback as a wheelchair user, I had no idea the day would turn into such an eye-opening experience. As someone who grew up in Brymbo, I thought I knew the area well—but I was about to discover a hidden legacy that stretches back over 300 million years!
My visit was part of the early-stage accessibility planning for Stori Brymbo, and I was asked to give my honest views on the facilities, share my personal experience as a wheelchair user, and suggest practical improvements to make the site more inclusive. It’s encouraging to see organisations like Brymbo Heritage Trust involving disabled voices right from the start, not as an afterthought.
But this wasn’t just a practical visit—it quickly turned into an unforgettable journey through time.
A Forest Frozen in Time
The Fossil Forest Tour was nothing short of magical. Unearthed accidentally in 2003 during excavations for a new road, the Brymbo Fossil Forest is a site of global importance. Dating back over 300 million years to the Carboniferous period, it preserves fossilised plants like Lepidodendron and Calamites in their original growing positions.
Here’s the incredible part: this site is only one of two fossil forests ever discovered in the entire world. It’s incredibly rare to see fossilised trees still standing as they grew, locked in time. To think this was all buried under the village I grew up in was a real “pinch me” moment.
Industrial Echoes: Brymbo Steelworks and ‘Iron Mad’ Wilkinson
Equally impressive is the site’s industrial heritage. In 1792, John ‘Iron Mad’ Wilkinson, a pioneering industrialist, bought the Brymbo Hall estate and established an ironworks on the site. By 1796, Brymbo Ironworks was operational and would go on to become Brymbo Steelworks, employing thousands and forming the heart of the local economy until its closure in 1990.
When Brymbo Steelworks closed, many believed the story of the site had ended. But in fact, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. With the heavy industry gone, the land was gradually opened up—and that’s when this extraordinary history began to emerge. The closure of the steelworks quite literally uncovered the ancient fossil forest that had been preserved underground for millions of years. In a twist of fate, the end of Brymbo’s industrial age allowed its prehistoric past to be revealed.
The Brymbo Heritage Trust is now working tirelessly to preserve this rich legacy and share it with future generations.
Future Plans: A Site of Global Significance
Stori Brymbo is not just about preserving the past—it has bold plans for the future. The full project is due to launch in 2026, and here’s what you can expect:
• Fossil Forest Pavilion: A bespoke shelter will be built to protect and exhibit the fossil forest, enabling live excavations where visitors can witness discoveries as they happen.
• Machine Shop Revamp: The historic 1920s Machine Shop will be transformed into a visitor centre with a café, shop, exhibitions, VR experiences, and toilets.
• Heritage Building Restorations: The Grade II* listed Agent’s House and the Pattern Makers’ Workshop will be restored to house educational programmes and exhibitions.
• Industrial Conservation: Iconic structures such as the Foundry, Casting House, Blast Furnace, and Charging Wall will undergo repairs and interpretation work.
• Sustainable Power: A community-led solar farm is planned to power the entire site, keeping it eco-conscious and community-focused.
• Inclusion and Engagement: Accessibility and inclusion are being built into the core of the project, with plans to support disabled visitors, low-income families, and local community groups.
It’s so refreshing to see a major heritage project prioritising accessibility and sustainability from the ground up. With a few adjustments to pathways, signage, and facilities, I truly believe Stori Brymbo can become a shining example of how historical sites can be made welcoming and inclusive for all.
Final Thoughts
If you love history, nature, or simply discovering surprising stories hidden in plain sight, Stori Brymbo is a must-visit. I’ll certainly be back to see how things develop—and I’m proud to have played a small part in helping shape its future.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go. The site is very much a work in progress and currently resembles a building site in many areas. But what stood out to me is the clear commitment to making Stori Brymbo accessible, welcoming, and inclusive. The vision is there, the conversations are happening, and the potential is enormous. It’s a site with promise—and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
To learn more or plan your visit, head to: www.brymboheritagetrust.org
And if your admin feels more prehistoric than productive, you know who to call!
Let’s bring some order to the chaos – Vicki Admin Fairy® style.
Vicki