A VALE-BASED National Trust run attraction is urging people to support them as part of the National Trust Wales ‘Special Places’ campaign this summer.

Dyffryn Gardens is calling on the people of Vale and South-East Wales to support them.

The conservation charity’s Special Places campaign has sparked a national conversation that gets people talking and voting for their own ‘special place’ in Wales.

The open nomination period, where members of the public can nominate their Special Place on various online platforms will run until Sunday June 29.

The shortlist will be announced at the Royal Welsh Show, and then the final winner revealed at the National Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire in August.

Torchwood actress Eve Myles has expressed her support for Dyffryn Gardens in the national campaign, choosing the gardens as her special places above all others in Wales.

Staff and volunteers at Dyffryn Gardens are urging the public to submit their votes via Twitter using #lleoeddarbennig/#specialplaces, Facebook, or by filling in a voting slip at the property – ahead of all votes being shortlisted to a top ten which will be put out to public voting for a final time.

The winning ‘Special Place’ will be given help and support to promote it in Wales and internationally by the National Trust and other partners, including Visit Wales, Cadw and Cynnal Cymru.

Property manager, Geraldine Donovan said: “As a landscape architect, I couldn’t have found a better place to work. Over the past 17 years I don’t think I’ve ever had the same day twice.

“From discovering 100 year old rare tree specimens, recreating lost garden features, building a new glasshouse and restoring part of the house, it has been a fascinating journey. Dyffryn is now entering a new chapter with the National Trust and it’s an exciting time. It is a indeed a very special place.”

Eminent landscape architect Thomas Mawson designed the gardens which are the early 20th-century vision of industrialist John Cory and his son Reginald.

The Edwardian designed garden covers more than 55 acres featuring a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and seasonal bedding.

Nominations will be whittled down to a shortlist of ten by guest judges TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams, travel journalist Simon Calder, broadcaster Roy Noble, Alan Edmunds, editor of the Western Mail, and names from partnering heritage and travel groups including Visit Wales’ Roy Noble and Cynnal Cymru – with voting re-opening in the lead up to the National Eisteddfod in August where the winner will be revealed.

Famous faces backing the campaign include National Poet for Wales Gillian Clarke, opera singer and broadcaster Wynne Evans and TV presenter Alex Jones – each putting forward the places that mean the most to them.

With more than 90 per cent of people believing more should be done to preserve special places across Wales, the winning place will be given help and support by the Trust and other partners to preserve it for the community – ensuring the country’s most favoured spot remains unspoilt for all to enjoy.

Special Places nominations closes on Sunday, June 29. To vote for your own special place, vote via Twitter using #lleoeddarbennig / #specialplaces @NTWales or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NTWales/app_235533479970037