The Fossil Forest is a stunning, prehistoric landscape frozen in time. These fossilised tree stumps, roots and trunks belong to Lepidodendron—towering “scale trees” that dominated Earth’s primeval swamps during the Carboniferous period, long before dinosaurs ever roamed.

Over at Stori Brymbo, you’re not just looking at fossils—you’re getting up close with the remains of a forest that lived 300 million years ago!

How Was It Discovered?

In 2006, something incredible happened.

During routine land clearance on the former Brymbo Steelworks site, contractors noticed unusual stone structures buried in the soil. What they uncovered would astonish experts: a perfectly preserved prehistoric forest floor, complete with upright tree stumps, fossilised roots, and even the ground on which they grew.

This was no ordinary fossil find—this was a time capsule.

What’s Happening Now?

This internationally significant discovery has now been encased in a state-of-the-art building that you can explore! A first for the UK, it’s uniquely accessible. Meaning you can come and explore, see the fossils in situ and watch live excavations!

Guided tours, educational programmes, and hands-on fossil hunts are in available. And soon, you’ll be able to walk among the ancient trees, just as they once stood.

Curious to learn more or want to help uncover the forest’s secrets?