Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS):
The WHS placemaking project is a community and heritage-led grassroots initiative that has worked closely with the communities of four historic villages and towns to uncover the hidden depths of lesser-known heritage and social histories through lived memories and experiences. The work began in 2022 with the development of the first phase, The Bridge That Connects, which led into the second phase, Navigating Through Time. Both phases have been funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund through Wrexham County Borough Council.
Navigating Through Time
Navigating Through Time brings the rich heritage of Froncysyllte, Trevor, Chirk, and Cefn Mawr to life in new and meaningful ways. As part of the World Heritage Site Placemaking Project (2023–2026), led by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, the programme creates opportunities for learning, wellbeing, volunteering, and community-led activities rooted in local identity. It celebrates the stories, landscapes, and voices that make these places unique, inviting both residents and visitors to connect more deeply with the World Heritage Site.
In September 2025, this work came together in a vibrant weekend of events across the four communities. Visitors were invited to ‘navigate through time’ by exploring hidden histories and natural surroundings through community-led trails, storytelling, and activities. Each place shared its own character and heritage, shaped by generations of local people. The celebrations began with a lively parade through the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, where 150 schoolchildren from six local schools brought energy, creativity, and a sense of future stewardship to the heart of the World Heritage Site.
