History of Brynmill

Brynmill Park is a Victorian urban Park which has been maintained and restored over the years since it was established in 1872. Showing signs of deterioration in the 1990s and around the millennium hard work and funding streams have ensured the Parks existence over the years to its present day.

Some of the key changes that the park has seen over the years include the introduction a public glasshouse menagerie with housed a variety of animals ranging from monkeys to golden pheasants! Aviaries that originated from 1913 were a popular feature and attracted many local people to visit. The remnants of the reservoir were used for fishing and in the 1950’s there was a large rowing boat that took the paying public on trips around the lake.

The 1990’s saw the removal of the glasshouse, along with the bird and animal cages. Fishing permits were ceased and the stock of course fish dispersed to various other lakes in the area. This resulted in a reduction of the fish population which then allowed aquatic vegetation to be introduced in and around the lake.

In 2000, Brynmill Park was identified as the most suitable candidate in Swansea where an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund should be submitted as part of the Public Parks initiative. The closure of the Park's aviaries due to animal welfare concerns coincided with this application.

The Heritage Lottery Fund grant was awarded for the restoration of Brynmill Park in 2006 and work began on the park's restoration the following year. As part of the plans the new Discovery Centre was built and remains as a focal point for learning about the park's history and its wildlife. The educational aspect of this allows visitors to observe birds via a glass panel in their natural habitat without disturbing them. In addition to the educational facilities the centre serves as a base for local organisations and the community.