Up to the Present

Economic depressions and war took their toll of so many estates during the twentieth century but Penllergare’s position on the urban fringe of Swansea made it particularly vulnerable to neglect, vandalism and encroaching development.

Hopes of reversing this decline were raised in the 1990s with the promise of a country park in return for planning permissions. But the promise was never realised and Penllergare Valley Woods fell further into dereliction. The future looked very bleak.

Fortunately the core of the designed landscape, as well as the observatory, remained almost intact. Valley Woods was also valued by local people for its seclusion, scenery and wildlife, and especially by adventurous children.

In recognition of Penllergare’s importance to the history and culture of South Wales, and in the absence of others willing or able to act, the Penllergare Trust was formed in 2000, with restoration, regeneration and public benefit at the top of its agenda.

The first step was to involve local people and the Trust’s Community Engagement and Education programme is entering (in 2008) its 8th year. The next was to build up the comprehensive and detailed body of research and survey essential to inform future management. More recently it has been possible to start making Valley Woods safer and functional for more people to enjoy. Penllergare Valley Woods Forum (a group comprising of users and stakeholders) provides invaluable advice.

The Way Ahead

Statements of Intent
The Trust’s draft Conservation Plan states that Valley Woods will be managed as an entity, but recognising that its three distinct components are complementary and interdependent. Those components are:

The Terrace Gardens
In the Upper Valley the Terrace Gardens will evoke a nineteenth century romantic landscape in the Picturesque style and celebrate its multi-facetted history and cultural importance. Informed by the wealth of contemporary imagery the steeply terraced valley with exotic plantings, and the occasional glimpses and sounds of water, will combine to entice the visitor to explore this ‘secret and magical place’.

The Walled Gardens Complex
Set in a woodland, rich in exotic species, and behind high stone walls will be well-drilled, meticulously cultivated horticulture, echoing Victorian kitchen garden practice in its heyday, consistent with modern organic methods. (Note: the walled gardens area is not open to visitors at present)

Coed Nydfwch
Representing some 65% of the total area, in the Lower Valley retaining its essential wildness, Coed Nydfwch will be managed principally as a community woodland, concentrating on the protection and sustained regeneration of woodland and wildlife, with substantial involvement of local people.

Programme 2011 (ongoing)

Planning Ahead
The Trust has made a bid for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People initiative, informed by a detailed design development stage and consultations carried out in 2010.

Regenerating the Woodlands
With the help of grants from the Forestry Commission under its ‘Better Woodlands for Wales’ scheme:
• Further upgrading of access roads
• Improvements and extensions to the footpath network
• At least one more footbridge over the Llan
• Further reduction of bracken infestation
• Making a start with new planting of native broad-leaves that will eventually extend to an area of over 10 hectares
• Also starting to clean and re-space existing woodlands that are in danger of being dominated by unwanted species
• Clearing more accumulated debris from the river.

Community Engagement and Education (C2E)
C2E is the fourth component of the project. With the support of the Big Lottery under its ‘People and Places’ scheme, this ongoing programme aims to help people of all ages, backgrounds and capabilities to understand and enjoy Valley Woods in all its aspects. It will actively involve the community of which it is a part; enable all interested groups and individuals to participate in the project, and provide for co-operation with other like-minded organisations. The degree to which people develop their feelings of respect, enjoyment and responsibility for Valley Woods, will be a measure of C2E’s success.

Further information or Offers of Help
Email: contact@penllergare.org
Telephone: 01558 650416

Photographs on this page
by Jennifer Cloke and The Penllergare Trust

Ymddiriedolieth Penllergare - The Penllergare Trust

Elusen Cofrestredig 1082128 Registered Charity
Cwmni Cyfyngedig 4004593 Limited Company