At the height of its prosperity in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Penllergare estate was an outstanding example of a picturesque, romantic landscape. Its creator was John Dillwyn Llewelyn (1810 – 82), a man distinguished for his contribution to landscape design and horticulture, and also for his scientific experiments and pioneering photography. Penllergare provided inspiration for the expression of all these talents. John exploited the majestic natural beauty of the site in his grand design to create an idyllic landscape planted with a rich variety of trees, shrubs and exotic plants.

For over half a century Penllergare has become damaged and almost forgotten. The mansion was destroyed and replaced by council offices. Development and vandalism added to the effects of neglect. The woodland gardens were top-sliced by the M4 motorway and modern houses now abut on the walled gardens and spill into the parkland. The Penllergare Trust was formed in 2000 in an attempt to save this historic and cultural landscape from falling into further dereliction. It aims to raise awareness of the estate’s important past and the urgent need to protect and save the place for the future. The Trust proposes the restoration of Penllergare as a long overdue park for Swansea and for Wales.