Tir Coed goes back to the woods
Written by Tir Coed / Wednesday 18 November 2020
Tir Coed went back into the woods last week to ensure trainees were able to complete courses cut short by Covid 19.
The charity, which reconnects people with nature and the great outdoors through volunteering, training and bespoke activity sessions, was forced to halt number of its woodland management training courses when the country was placed in lockdown following the outbreak of the virus.
Trainees at sites in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys were delighted to be able to complete their courses, but the opportunity to spend more time in experiencing the woodlands proved the biggest pull of all.
Trainee Bev Edwards, from Narberth, was one of those returning to Scolton Woods near Haverfordwest to complete her course.
“It’s so good to be back and getting back to nature again,” said Bev.
“We have all spent so much time indoors over the past few months and everyone has been feeling the strain so it is great to go outside again.
“The worst thing about lockdown for me was missing people so it’s great to be working and learning alongside people again.
“Getting out and coming here where it is so peaceful – it has become a huge part of my life. It is so relaxing. I really missed my time our here during lockdown.
“I feel fulfilled when I’m out in the woods.”
Fellow trainee Alice said: “It’s great to be back in the woods. I love it here.
“My mental health was a bit of a mess before I came here and lockdown was a bit of a struggle, but the time I spent in the woods with Tir Coed beforehand really helped me through it.
“The skills I have learnt have been fantastic.
“Personally and professionally, working with Tir Coed has been hugely beneficial for me.”
Luke Frost, Llanddowror, said: “It’s great to be back. We were all disappointed when the course had to be cut short so I’m delighted to be back in the woods to finish it off.
“I started on the course to learn more about woodland management techniques but the social side of things has been excellent and has really helped me.
“It’s great to be back outside working alongside other people again.”
Tony Bell, from Ammanford, was part of the group at Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park near Tumble in Carmarthenshire.
“Working out in the woods has been great for my general well-being and mental health,” he said.
“The benefits I got before lockdown helped me though the past few months, but it is great to be back in the woods again.
“There is so much positive energy that comes from being outside and working with trees.”
Daniel Jones, also from Ammanford, said: “I have learned so much on this course and I now appreciate being outside in the woods so much more.
“It has been so good for me – it has been a real boost to my mental health.”
Tir Coed is a West Wales charity that connects people with land (tir) and woods (coed) engages people with woodlands through volunteering, accredited training and bespoke activity sessions that increase well-being, develop skills and improve our woodlands and green spaces for the benefit of everyone.
