Before Christmas, we announced our plans to regenerate Coed Bach Dimbath (Blackmill Woodland) as part of our Growth for Good project. Here’s the story so far…
December
Our aim was to bring local people on the journey from the beginning, so we held a community engagement event on Dimbath Avenue in December, where 20 excited residents joined us.
They set up a WhatsApp group to keep ideas flowing, and named the wood Coed Bach Dimbath (Little Dimbath Wood).
A jam-packed January
The headlines:
- Our Woodland Management Plan was approved.
- We got to work and established access into and through the wood.
- Greenspace installed a motorbike inhibitor gate.
January also brought the exciting news that Coed Bach Dimbath has been selected to form part of The Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Trail, spanning the length and breadth of Wales!
To round off a successful month, we secured a further £18,400 from the Welsh Government to help enhance the woodland with an outdoor classroom, wildlife cameras and an otter hide!
February
February was all about getting out and talking to local people. We held an engagement session with Blackmill Flying Start and Llais y Goedwig for children, parents, carers and staff to shape the development of the project. They told us they’re looking forward to using the woodland for:
- “Exercising away from traffic”.
- “Exploring nature and seasonal changes”.
- “Being outdoors with their little ones and taking part in local activities”.
March – April
First, we delivered a session for 18 Horticulture students and three lecturers at Pencoed College to discuss the woodland’s flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life).
We also held a session at Bettws Primary School, attended by 150 pupils from 10 local schools. The children decorated wooden rounds to make a tree sculpture which we’ll proudly display in the woodland’s outdoor classroom!
The teachers thanked us for an engaging day, saying:
“The kids loved learning about the woodland and how it’s good for your mind and body to be out in nature. We can’t wait to visit Coed Bach Dimbath!”
In April, we also made some major progress on the woodland and installed an accessible pathway from the entrance off Graig Terrace to the outdoor classroom area (shown below).
Next Steps…
The summer is shaping up to be just as busy. We’re going to be working with Level 3 students at Bridgend College on a research project into the woodland’s rare oak species. We’re also looking to procure a contractor for the pathway works.
Come and take a peak at the progress!
You’re invited to see our transformation so far at a community event on 27th May, 12-2 pm.
The meeting point is Graig Terrace, Blackmill, CF35 6DU (shown below).
Can’t make it but want to know more or get involved? Email rachel.lovell@v2c.org.uk for an informal chat.
Rachel Lovell, Head of Regeneration and Sustainability, said:
“We’re keen to involve as many residents, volunteers, community groups and partners as possible in shaping the future of the Growth for Good programme and our Coed Bach Dimbath project is no exception”