A local environmental group is racing against the clock to raise the remaining funds needed to buy eight acres of ancient woodland on the outskirts of Pontypridd. The community organisation has just a few days left to hit its financial target and secure the future of the popular forest.
Community Efforts to Protect Barry Mountain
The volunteer team wants to purchase the site to protect its natural history and ensure local residents always have free access to nature. The beautiful green space, affectionately known to many families as Barry Mountain, survived the local coal mining era and is now a thriving wildlife habitat. Organisers have already raised almost half of their total goal through personal savings, member subscriptions, and donations from helpful neighbours. The community project has also launched a major online fundraising appeal to help close the gap before the final property bidding window slams shut.
Angela Karadog, Financial Director, said: “The deadline to submit the informal tenders is noon on Tuesday, July 14, so this last week of fundraising will be crucial.” She explained: “We've raised almost half of the £40,000 fundraising target, with some of our own savings raised via membership subscriptions, several significant donations pledged by local residents, and our Crowdfunder campaign.”
Community Support and Memories
Dozens of older residents recently attended a special neighbourhood meeting at Treforest Community Centre to share their childhood memories of playing in the woods. Local youth groups, including the Boys and Girls Club of Wales, are also incredibly keen to use the open space to teach young people about the environment.
Ken Moon, Chair of Tir Pontypridd, said: “We’re very lucky where we live.” He explained: “People think of the Valleys as a post-industrial landscape where poverty is endemic. But we also live in an area that is rapidly rewilding.” He continued: “Nature is literally on our doorstep. But our access to nature is becoming more restricted. Every time land changes hand, the keep out signs are usually the first thing to go up. We aim to change that by putting the decision-making into the hands of our communities.”
Mission and Vision
The non-profit group was specifically set up by passionate residents who were tired of seeing beautiful local landscapes being sold off to outside investors. The charity believes that putting ownership into the hands of the public is the single best way to improve regional wellbeing and look after native biodiversity.
Ken Moon added: “If we want people to care more about nature and biodiversity, we need to provide people with the opportunities to reconnect, and work with the land around where they live. Nature supports our wellbeing and we can support nature better, but only if we can become a part of nature once again.” He continued: “We don’t see community and nature as being mutually exclusive. We think it’s essential that if we’re to improve outcomes for nature and biodiversity then we also need to improve wellbeing outcomes for our local communities. Buying land is how we aim to do that.”
Fundraising Breakdown and Future Plans
The requested £40,000 budget will cover the land purchase price, necessary legal fees, property agent costs, and new protective fencing requested by the current seller. Extra funds raised will also help pay for long-term maintenance, clearing up litter, and improving walking pathways for the public.
Angela Karadog continued: “We need to raise £40,000 by next Monday evening, otherwise we won’t be able to go ahead with the purchase.” She added: “We’ve set the bar high to cover the initial purchase costs, agents’ fees, legal fees, and to install the fencing required by the seller.”
Organisers hope this woodland acquisition will be the very first step in a grander plan to buy up more green spaces across the town. Anyone who wants to support the campaign can donate to the appeal online or apply to become a shareholding member of the group.
Ken Moon concluded: “A community that owns its own land holds the keys for determining its own future. Tir Pontypridd aims to be the first town in Cymru to own its own future. This woodland is the first step in our journey to owning our own future.”
Date: Informal tenders must be submitted by noon on Tuesday, July 14. Location: Craig-Y-Fforest, Treforest, Pontypridd. Donations can be made via the online Crowdfunder page at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tir-pontypridd and residents can register to become members at www.tirpontypridd.org.
