Rudry Suboutstation

Rudry Suboutstation is on Natural Resources Wales (formerly Forestry Commission Wales) land. There is a small parking area near the Rudry Forestry base and when this is shut, it is possible to park in a small layby at the gate to the site. From the base, climb a small set of steps up the hill that lead to a wide dirt track. Follow this downhill towards a metal gate where a public footpath crosses the site. On your left is a gravel track that leads uphill to a small fenced area. The Station is within the fence.

Please note that it is not possible to enter the Station as the main shaft is very deep and there is no ladder or footholds. Do not try and enter through the collapsed roof as this is likely to damage both the Station and yourself!
Note: The bunker has been surrounded by metal fencing and has grills over the top to prevent further damage since some of the photos were taken.

It is possible to get a good view down the main shaft and also through the partially collapsed roof into the main chamber. The interior is in good condition.

In design and construction techniques it is similar to the Zero station on the Blorenge. There is a large beech tree alongside which looks to have a long track running up its length. This may be the remains of the feeder to an aerial placed into the upper branches.

On the main entrance shaft there is a raised lip of bricks around three sides. This suggests that possibly to open the lid it would have been slid across. The shaft is made of hollow concrete blocks unlike other Monmouth Patrol OBs, which are brick built.

Looking in to the main chamber through the roof collapse the bottom of the entrance shaft can be seen through the doorway and through the small antechamber. The Station is only the size of an Anderson shelter, so much smaller than a normal Patrol OB.

In the far end wall some of the hollow concrete blocks have been set side on to provide ventilation. Glazed earthenware pipes can be seen attached inside these bricks. There is another set at ground level on the side of the Station, to allow cool air in. These high up would have vented warm air, creating a natural through draught to help keep the air fresh inside. This suggests the bunker was meant to be occupied.

In the view from the road approaching Rudry, the white buildings are post war Forestry cottages. The Station is a little way into the wood behind the former forestry base site.

Path analysis suggests that the site must have been a suboutstation as it cannot link to the Blorenge directly because of the intervening mountains.