Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, is seeking volunteers to get involved with planting a thriving new woodland near Neath in South Wales on 29th March. No experience of tree planting is required, and all instructions will be provided on the day; this is a free event but booking is essential via this link.
The event comes following Coed Cadw securing an additional 140 hectares of land at Cefn Morfudd, as part of an ambitious project to create and restore woodland and natural habitats across a 236-hectare landscape.
Benefits for nature
This initiative, which began with the acquisition of 95 hectares at Brynau Farm in 2019, is poised to transform the area into a flourishing green haven, offering new spaces for nature and public enjoyment.
Through this project, Coed Cadw aims to reconnect local communities with nature and mitigate environmental challenges in the region; the landscape is within easy reach of over half a million people in South Wales.
The newly acquired land at Cefn Morfudd, consisting of fields, rough grazing areas, and wood pasture, will complement the restoration already underway at Brynau Farm. Plans include:
- Creating a vibrant mosaic of habitats, from meadows to heathland, linking fragmented ancient woodland and restoring the lost woodlands once surveyed by Alfred Russel Wallace.
- Enhancing natural resilience for threatened native species such as curlew, marsh fritillary butterflies, and merlin.
- Working with local farmers and using native breed ancient Welsh cattle to graze the land to encourage natural regeneration across the upland plateau.
- Retaining a farmed landscape, while restoring peatland and woodlands to benefit air quality, reduce flood risks, and contribute to climate action.
Benefits for the local community
Coed Cadw recently hosted a community event that showcased the importance of accessible green spaces.
Over 130 people gathered at Brynau Farm for a day of outdoor fun and nature exploration, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and organised in collaboration with local charity Seren Dwt. The event, part of Wales Environment Link’s ‘Environment Connect’ initiative, included family-friendly workshops such as drumming, green woodworking and a bug adventure for children.
The collaboration with Seren Dwt highlights Coed Cadw’s commitment to fostering community partnerships and enhancing public access to nature, and reflects the charity’s broader mission to protect, restore, and create resilient landscapes across the UK, ensuring that natural spaces are accessible for all.
To find out more, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/appeals/brynau-farm.
