Llanybydder community woodland flourishes

A Community woodland is flourishing in Llanybydder thanks to a joint effort between residents and stakeholders.
The area between Bro Einon and Heol y Deri has been transformed from an overgrown area of rough woodland to a vibrant communal area where people can get in touch with nature.
Picnic areas have been created, with benches, interpretation panels, bird and bat boxes.
The project has been funded by the Environment Agency, the Welsh Government’s Tidy Towns project and the Environmental Works Project, which is part of the council’s Carmarthenshire Homes Standard - a £200million programme to renovate council homes and communal areas through environmental improvements.
It followed an extensive consultation by members of the Developing the Environmental Works Project group, which consists of tenants from across Carmarthenshire, who worked with the Llanybydder Tenants and Residents Association and housing officers.
Maria Evans, Community Engagement Officer, said: “A door to door survey was carried out to find out what improvements tenants and residents wanted to make in the area, and the woodland area was identified as a clear priority.
“We then held a launch event at the Aberduar chapel vestry where we had the opportunity to gather more ideas and views on how the area could be developed.
“It has had strong support from everyone in the area, including the local member, the local school, family centre and community council.”
To make way for the development, the community rolled its sleeves up and got involved in clearing the area of large items of fly-tipped rubbish.
Pathways were also improved and new access routes were laid.
Cllr Hugh Evans, Executive Board Member for Housing, said: “It is great to see tenants and residents taking such a positive attitude towards regenerating their own community – they have put a lot of effort in by giving us their ideas, and also volunteering to help clear the site. They should be proud of what they have achieved, and I hope that it will be enjoyed and looked after for many years to come.”