About Us

The ‘Gwyddon Valley Group’ are volunteers who believe the beautiful Gwyddon Valley should be an area for children, families and the community as a whole to enjoy. We aim to ensure it remains a peaceful and tranquil area for physical and mental health benefits, and for quiet contemplation and reflection. 

It’s important to remember that this group is open for everyone to join, especially members of the local community, so if you care about this space and would like to get involved, you’ll be very welcome! There are always lots of exciting developments which creates plenty to do for the group, so the more help we can get, the better!

(Click on our 'Members and Volunteering' tab above for more information) 

Working in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) and other organisations, we aim to promote, protect and environmentally enhance the valley and surrounding woodland for all members of the public, particularly the residents of Abercarn to enjoy.

Our official aims include:

•  Enhancing bio-diversity and access to green spaces through volunteering,
• Advancing the education of the public through sustainable development,
• Contributing to the protection, enhancement and rehabilitation of the woodland site for the wellbeing of current and future generations,
• Providing opportunities for educational, social and recreational activities,
• Conserving and promoting the local heritage to raise the profile of the site both locally and further afield,
• Providing a safe, tranquil space that can be used by all for social events and the improvement of general mental wellbeing.

The group will look to improve footpaths, bridleways and picnic areas to encourage more use of the valley and will look to raise its profile by reaching out with regular updates, highlighting walking routes (for families and the more serious

hikers), planning children’s and community activities, encouraging volunteering and advertising guided walks. 

Encouraging people to actively get out into nature has well documented, positive benefits for everyone including improving physical and emotional health and well-being. We believe the increased use of the forest can also help bring the community together.

We would like the opportunity to share the beauty of the valley and surrounding forestry with everyone, particularly our younger residents who will be the future custodians of this space. This way our young people can find out more about some of the animals, insects, plants and minibeasts that live in the forest, and encourage them to respectfully look out for and promote this ecosystem.

The group would like to officially thank the following people and partner organisations for their ongoing support in both setting up the group and helping the group to fulfil our aims.

• Natural Resources Wales
• Caerphilly County Borough Council
• Cllr Andrew Whitcombe
• Gwent Police
• Mr Chris Evans MP
• Llais y Goedwig - the community woodland network for Wales

............... and of course all our wonderful volunteers.

THANK YOU!