Cultivating Woodland Connections in Ceredigion

0
420
Volunteer & Nature Reserve Manager, Ryan Knight-Fox teaching children from a local school about trees.

Cultivating Woodland Connections at Denmark Farm

‘Denmark Farm Woodland Connections’ project gains support to improve access for the local community, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations.

Denmark Farm Woodland Connections has received support from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) scheme. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government.

A grant of £92,600 has been awarded to help charity The Shared Earth Trust to complete a circular all season trail, install infrastructure and interpretation and arrange events which will enable everyone to enjoy the special nature reserve, located near to Lampeter in West Wales. 

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre is a unique example of habitat restoration and one of the first of its kind in the UK.  Without this support from TWIG the woodlands are at risk from the effects of climate change and the biodiversity crisis as well as the disconnect between people and nature. This project also means that Denmark Farm will go on to become part of the National Forest for Wales in the future.  

The TWIG funded Denmark Farm Woodland Connections project will enable extensive access improvements to take place, with new gates and signage installed around the site.

Local people, community groups and schools will be able to take part in the project through volunteering opportunities, open days and public events allowing even more people to enjoy and play a part in Ceredigion’s natural heritage.

A woodland Conservation Guidebook, based on the 30+ years of learning at Denmark Farm, will be published as part of the project. We will also develop a detailed woodland management plan to ensure the sustainability of this important resource for the future.

In the long-term, the project will build the skills of volunteers, strengthen the network of groups and organisations working together for the benefit of nature and raise public awareness of the importance of looking after our natural world. 

Ryan Knight-Fox, Denmark Farm Volunteer Manager said:

“We are thrilled to have received this grant. Thanks to the support from the Welsh Government via the TWIG scheme, we can now ensure that Denmark Farm is a place that everyone can come to and enjoy nature. This project will enable everyone to access the woodland regardless of their mobility, as well as families with young children. We are also looking forward to developing a management plan and working to manage the woodland with our amazing volunteers, opening up glades and rides for enhancing biodiversity.” 

Our first exciting events will be Volunteer Conservation Days on the 4th & 16th August, plus 4th, 18th & 28th September.  We will also be arranging an Identifying Trees in Autumn workshop on the 14th September. 

To get involved as a volunteer or come to discover the rich flora and fauna at Denmark Farm visit: www.denmarkfarm.org.uk 

 


Help keep news FREE for our readers

Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle