February 2026
The investigation of a possible enclosure on the western slopes of the Moel Famau Country Park near Pentre Farm, Llangynhafal
Dr Ian Brown
The existence of a possible large enclosure on the western slopes of the Clwydian Range in the Moel Famau Country Park was first recognised by the Clwyd Archaeology Service of Clwyd County Council and lies to the east of Pentre Farm, Llangynhafal. Its extent and outline have yet to be defined, but appear to consist of a series of banks of about 2m in width and up to c. 0.5m high in a roughly triangular shape facing south-west, bordered by streams on its southern and western borders. It occupies a relatively steep slope with a range of c. 50m between the highest and lowest point. A linear bank used as a modern farm track to Pentre Farm might follow an earlier feature, and indeed there may be other linear features to be determined. It is possible therefore that the site could be more complex than first thought.
Possible enclosure banks
In 2012 Ian Brooks undertook two small geophysical surveys on the site, the second in the south-western corner of the enclosure producing some interesting results that suggest further investigation including possible round house(s). The results of a small excavation on site also require investigation.
The hillforts of the Clwydian Range and Moel Famau are located above the site and it is tempting to infer some relation and Bronze or Iron Age origin. However, there is no evidence for this and later medieval or modern (WWII?) also a possibility. The following is proposed:
- A full survey of the banks/enclosure to determine their nature and extent.
- Selected geophysical surveys where appropriate to determine any features.
- A small excavation across banks to determine composition and extent.
Programme
A full survey of the banks will be undertaken in early May (8th-11th), with some geophysics to follow, and forming the first part of a programme to determine the nature of this possible enclosure. Volunteers will be much needed and welcomed.
Chwefror 2026
Ymchwiliad i gae posibl ar lethrau gorllewinol Parc Gwledig Moel Famau ger Fferm Pentre, Llangynhafal
Dr Ian Brown
Cafodd bodolaeth cae mawr posibl ar lethrau gorllewinol Bryniau Clwyd ym Mharc Gwledig Moel Famau ei gydnabod gyntaf gan Wasanaeth Archaeoleg Clwyd Cyngor Sir Clwyd ac mae’n gorwedd i’r dwyrain o Fferm Pentre, Llangynhafal. Nid yw ei faint a’i amlinelliad wedi’u diffinio eto, ond ymddengys ei fod yn cynnwys cyfres o gloddiau tua 2m o led a hyd at tua 0.5m o uchder mewn siâp trionglog bras yn wynebu’r de-orllewin, wedi’u ffinio gan nentydd ar ei ffiniau deheuol a gorllewinol. Mae’n meddiannu llethr cymharol serth gydag ystod o tua 50m rhwng y pwynt uchaf a’r pwynt isaf. Gallai clawdd llinol a ddefnyddir fel llwybr fferm modern i Fferm Pentre ddilyn nodwedd gynharach, ac yn wir efallai bod nodweddion llinol eraill i’w pennu. Mae’n bosibl felly y gallai’r safle fod yn fwy cymhleth nag a feddyliwyd yn gyntaf.
Cloddiau lloc posibl
Yn 2012, cynhaliodd Ian Brooks ddau arolwg geoffisegol bach ar y safle, yr ail yng nghornel de-orllewinol y lloc gan gynhyrchu rhai canlyniadau diddorol sy’n awgrymu ymchwiliad pellach gan gynnwys tŷ(i) crwn posibl. Mae angen ymchwilio hefyd i ganlyniadau cloddio bach ar y safle.
Mae bryngaerau Bryniau Clwyd a Moel Famau wedi’u lleoli uwchben y safle ac mae’n demtasiwn awgrymu rhyw berthynas a tharddiad o’r Oes Efydd neu’r Oes Haearn. Fodd bynnag, nid oes tystiolaeth o hyn ac mae’r cyfnod canoloesol diweddarach neu fodern (Ail Ryfel Byd?) hefyd yn bosibilrwydd. Cynigir y canlynol:
Arolwg llawn o’r cloddiau/lloc i benderfynu ar eu natur a’u maint.
Arolygon geoffisegol dethol lle bo’n briodol i benderfynu ar unrhyw nodweddion.
Cloddio bach ar draws cloddiau i benderfynu ar gyfansoddiad a maint.
Rhaglen
Cynhelir arolwg llawn o’r cloddiau ddechrau mis Mai (8fed-11eg), gyda rhywfaint o geoffiseg i ddilyn, a ffurfio rhan gyntaf rhaglen i benderfynu ar natur y lloc posibl hwn. Bydd angen gwirfoddolwyr a chroesawgarwch mawr.