Cherry Orchard/ Parc Cefn Onn

http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure/Parks/parks_files/cefn_onn.htm

Parc Cefn Onn

Footpath with flowering shrubs in Cefn Onn park The area of land comprising the Dingle, Golf Course, and adjoining hillside covers approximately 64 Hectares (160 acres) and was acquired by Mr Prosser, a resident of Llanishen who was Manager of the Old Taff Vale Railway before amalgamation of GWR during the early part of the century, before the first world war.

Most of the established exotic trees, the older Rhododendrons and Azaleas (e.g. the Azaleas bordering the long walk) were planted immediately before the first world war and during the 1920’s.

It was intended that a house would be built in the field at the northern end of the park but both Mr Prosser and his only son died before the Second World War and the plan was never carried out.

During both wars the Dingle was very much neglected due to a shortage of labour and particularly so during the latter part of the 1930s and up to 1944 when the property was acquired by the then Cardiff Corporation. The property had been left to Mr Prosser’s nephew who found it very difficult to maintain and eventually decided to sell it.

On a Saturday evening in 1944 Mr Tom Jenkins who had been in charge of the Dingle for many years (during latter years on his own) telephones Mr Nelmes, the Director of Parks at that time and reported that Mr Prosser had reluctantly decided to sell.

Trees reflecting in lake at Cefn Onn parkKnowing the value of Cefn Onn, horticulturally and as part of the green belt Mr Nelmes met Ald Hill-Snook (Chairman of the Parks Committee) and Ald Sir W R Williams (Chairman of Finance Committee) who were about to go to church, and took them to inspect Cefn Onn.

Both Chairmen were very impressed with the area. Initially Ald George Williams (Chairman of Estates Committee) bought the property privately for the sum of £7,000.

The next day however, at a joint meeting of the appropriate Committees, Ald Williams offered the land to the Corporation for the same price. The acquisition was unanimously approved.

Subsequently an additional area of approximately 16 Hectares (40 acres) of woodland towards the top of the hill was purchased from the Plymouth Estate and parts of two small fields to provide a car park and entrance on to the Cherry Orchard Road. Some of the land is now leased to a local farmer for grazing. The park was designated as a Country Park on 13th March 1972.
FACILITIES

The park is open by 8am midweek, 9am at weekends until sunset. Car parking and toilet facilities are available with provision for disabled people. Picnic tables and benches are set out within the park and many of the lower pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and push-chairs.
THE PARK

Meandering path at Cefn OnnPart of the charm of this woodland valley park lies in its capacity to interest visitors of all ages. The meandering paths, streams and ponds appeal to younger visitors particularly and there are several seats, benches and picnic tables. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen and Golden Crested Wrens have been sited in the area.

Shrubs and trees of special interest to the dedicated plants person are to be found throughout the park. Extensive planting of acid loving shrubs are included with many varieties of rhododendrons, azaleas and mecanopsis.

The southern part of the park, approached from the car park is a woodland garden and there are several varieties of magnolias, oaks and acers and although justly famed for its spring and early summer colour the park provides year round interest.

During the winter for example, the mature Hamamellis (Chinese Witch Hazel) are at their best together with the profusely flowering Mahonias with their fragrant racemes of yellow flowers. Clumps of bamboo and unusual conifers abound together with some unusual evergreens eg Nothofagus, Eucalyptus niphophila (Snow Gum).

Looking up, the visitor will notice the Abies Grandis (Giant Fir) which measures 44m (145ft).

As autumn approaches the changing colour of the many acers can be seen at their best.

2 pictures illustrating the wide variety of trees and shrubs in Cefn Onn parkSome trees and shrubs of special interest are as follows:

* Embothrium (Chilean Firebush)
* Ptelea trifoliata (Hoptree)
* Drimys winteri (Winter Bark)
* Camellia species
* Magnolia cambellii
* Magnolia wilsoni
* Magnolia liliflora nigra
* Magnolia watsonii
* Enkianthus campanulatus
* Euchryphia x nymansesis
* Stewartia pseudocamellia
* Prunus serrula
* Acer griseum
* Liriodendron tulipifera
* Enkianthus cernuus



* Cercidiphylum cernuus
* Cercis siliquastrum
* Podocarpus andinus
* Quercus pontica
* Quercus phellos
* Cunninghamia lanceolata
* Abies grandis
* Pinus wallichiana
* Pinus ayachuite
* Cedrus atlantica glauca
* Picea breweriana
* Metasequoia glyptostrobodies
* Peaonia lutea
* Saxegothea
* Fitzroya

The large pool is artificial, made by damming the tributary of the Nant Fawr stream. This stream has its source in Craig Llanishen, flows into Roath Park Lake, through the park and on to the River Rhymney. Plenty of frog spawn and tadpoles fill the pool in spring. Biological control started during the 1960s. The pond was overrun by caddis fly who ate many of the aquatic plants. An island was built to accommodate these plants as bog plants and marginals and the original orfe fish were introduced to eat the caddis fly.

Flowering tree Many large specimen Metasequoia glyptostoboides trees were planted when Cardiff purchased the land to surround the pool. Cryptomeria to the East were part of Mr Prosser’s original planting.

Here too lies a giant Sequoia, split apart by lightening in 1990. This measured 38m (127ft) and the stump has since been sculptured into a substantial seat.

The northern section was originally mixed woodland and some of these trees and many of the more recently planted one provide the dappled shade ideal for the camellias, rhododendrons, bluebells, wood anemones, garlic, violets and many varieties of celandines to be seen in all their glory during spring and early summer.

The pathways follow the slopes of the valley where the stream flows, providing the ideal habitat for the ferns, astilbes and other moisture loving plants.

Work continues to maintain the park as a delightful haven of tranquillity. It remains a plants person’s paradise.

To enable others to enjoy all the pleasures of Parc Cefn Onn, please ensure that you follow the Country Code, refrain from taking plants, flowers and cuttings.
CEFN ONN PARK - HOW TO GET THERE

From EASTFirs & Conifers
# M4 Junction 29 (A48/Cardiff West)
# 3rd exitA470 (Merthyr/Cardiff)
# Follow signs to Caerphilly
# (Crematorium on LEFT)
# Over Motorway
# 1st RIGHT Capel Gwilym Road
# Over Motorway
# (leads into Cherry Orchard just after the Old Cottage Pub Road)
# 250 yards turn LEFT into Park.

From WEST
# M4 Junction 32 (A470 Merthyr/Cardiff)
# Follow signs for Cardiff
# Turn LEFT at 3rd set of traffic lights into Tyn y Parc Road
# straight on
# Turn LEFT at 2nd set of traffic lights - Caerphilly Road
# Follow road north to Caerphilly
# (Crematorium on left)
# Over Motorway
# 1st RIGHT Capel Gwilym Road
# Over Motorway (leads into Cherry Orchard just after the Old Cottage Pub Road)
# 250 yards turn LEFT into Park.


26/03/2002