Doing Things Differently: a Year of Growth and Community
Written by Tir Coed / Dydd Iau 23 Hydref 2025
Carmarthenshire
Big changes came to Carmarthenshire as we bid farewell to Hannah and welcomed our new Mentor, Rachel who’s hit the ground running! She’s already made her mark, supporting trainees with energy and enthusiasm (and earning a gold star from the Comms Team for her fantastic photos and videos!)
The team spent the summer on a volunteer training project to build an outdoor classroom for the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway, part of their Woodland Investment Grant initiative. This work is helping boost biodiversity and public access at their woodland in Cynheidre — now proudly part of the National Forest for Wales.
After delivering our new six-week Sustainable Use of Natural Materials course and volunteer days, the team is back at Mynydd Mawr, deep into a twelve-week Woodland Carpentry course. These hands-on learning opportunities are made possible through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has also seen some changes — we said goodbye to Emily and Sharon and a big hello to Pete, our new Activity Leader, and Natalie, our Coordinator. Pete brings deep experience in woodland management (and a knack for problem-solving just about anything!), while Natalie’s background in community projects means she’s already well connected across the county.
Working closely with FutureWorks, the county council’s employment support programme, Team Pembs has been running woodland engagement sessions aimed at young people. Through consultation, one theme stood out: green woodwork! Participants have been crafting bowls, spoons and benches while learning about local woodlands, natural materials and safe tool use.
After completing the Sustainable Use of Natural Materials course, the team has turned its creative energy toward building a community roundhouse in St Davids as part of their ongoing Woodland Carpentry course, also funded by the SPF.
Ceredigion and Powys
With several team members moving on — Charlie, Alice, Rob, Matt and Annie — the remaining crew have pulled together brilliantly, keeping activities thriving across both counties. They’ve reconnected with communities through volunteer projects, bespoke sessions and public events.
In Powys, the Tree-to-Bench courses in Llandrindod and Newtown guide participants through every step, from harvesting materials to the final polish, before benches are donated to local groups. These sessions offer more than skills: they nurture confidence, connection and community spirit.
In Ceredigion, we’ve teamed up with Woody’s Lodge, a veterans’ charity with a farm between Newcastle Emlyn and Llandysul. Together, we’re creating a hub for outdoor activity; a place where wellbeing, skill-building and camaraderie grow side by side.
Explore our calendar to find opportunities near you. And remember — Tir Coed can deliver nature-based learning and wellbeing activities for any group. If that sounds like something your community could benefit from, we’d love to hear from you!