Ymddiriedolaeth Penllergare

News Bulletin

The Penllergare Trust    

For ten years the Trust has worked to protect and restore Valley Woods, this outstandingly beautiful landscape on Swansea’s doorstep, for everybody to enjoy. I’d like to thank everyone who has given so freely of time, energy and ideas to make it all possible.

Now we’ve all been given a huge vote of confidence by the award of a grant of £2.3 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund in its ‘Parks for People’ programme.

Guided by the unique archive of John Dillwyn Llewelyn’s mid-nineteenth century photography we’ll conserve and repair picturesque historic features, including his astronomical observatory, as well as the upper lake, terraces and walks. Ornamental plantings will be restored and the stone-arched bridge rebuilt.

We’ll also develop more ways for people to get involved voluntarily with Valley Woods, from practical work on the ground, right through to decision-making. Learning and training will continue to be a high priority.

At the same time, because Valley Woods are so important to local people as a place of peace and quiet, we’ll retain that edge of wilderness feeling that’s so special here.

This generous HLF grant is a massive investment in Swansea and its people but it also poses a huge challenge. Valley Woods are not the Council’s responsibility. That falls on this small and independent charity. To enable us to proceed we must raise about £600,000 as partnership funding, in cash or voluntary help (in kind). Some of this partnership funding has been secured from the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government. Penllergare Valley Woods is one of a select group of parks and gardens identified by Visit Wales for investment as a Centre of Excellence in the ''One Historic Garden' project”. Links into Valley Woods are being funded separately with support from The Valleys Regional Park Programme. The whole area provides an interesting attraction for locals and visitors in this part of the Valleys.

Because Valley Woods are privately owned we must also commit ourselves to a long lease and payment of rent. We also have to lay strong foundations for future, sustainable upkeep. Keeping costs down and finding ways of generating income will be a continued priority.

So far we’ve raised much of the partnership funding and more has been pledged. But if you, or people you know, have ideas for raising the rest, please get in touch.

Meanwhile my key message is this. If you love and enjoy Valley Woods as we do and want to keep them open, safe and welcoming for our children and their children, please join us by helping to look after them today.

You can contact the Penllergare Trust on 01558 650735, or e-mail contact@penllergare.org Alternatively you can write to Hal Moggridge, c/o Coed Glantawe, Esgairdawe, Llandeilo SA19 7RT.