The Process

Timeline

The process really started back in 2014 when Welcome to Our Woods was first established by community members to nurture local relationships with the surrounding landscape. Since then much has happened! Including many shared conversations about the land.

Scroll down on the timeline to see events that have led to the co-design group forming.

Nov,2014

Welcome To Our Woods formally established

Sep,2015

Stories of Change project [full report available here]

The Stories of Change project collected stories of energy and landscape from 500 local people in Treherbert at the Story Studio, which was a temporary space hosted at the Old Library.

Nov,2015

Actif Woods

Actif Woods was set up in Rhondda Cynon Taf to explore how woodlands can be made more accessible for people with chronic physical and mental health conditions.

Apr,2018

Community micro hydro scheme launched

The project was developed and funded through a partnership between WTOW Ltd and Llangattock Green Valleys.

Nov,2019

Skyline feasibility study [full report available here]

Skyline feasibility study published, which explored the possibilities for land stewardship across Caerau, Treherbert, and Ynysowen.

Sep,2020

Rhondda Skyline project begins

Rhondda Skyline begins an engagement phase, with the goal of demonstrating a high level of community interest in community land stewardship in the Upper Rhondda Fawr.

Apr,2021

Forest co-design plans

Welcome To Our Woods, Natural Resources Wales and Green Valleys agree on a co-design process for the forests surrounding Treherbert.

May,2021

Crop Cycle

Work begins on building the Crop Cycle vertical farming system at the old Tappers garage site. This is a Welsh Government funded project with several community organisations working in partnership, including Welcome To Our Woods. The aim of the farming system is to increase the availability of local food.

Sep,2021

The Co-Design Process Begins

First introductions happen at the Railway Canteen in Treherbert.

Dec,2021

Paths to Wellbeing

Local residents meet with Natural Resources Wales and Ramblers Cymru to agree a plan for improving the tracks and trails on the landscape surrounding Treherbert

Apr,2022

Future Forest Vision created and launched

After 9 months of meeting, the co-design group finalised a vision to express their needs and values for good forest stewardship that is to be used to inform Natural Resources Wales’ Forest Resource Plans.

Jul,2022

Old Brewery site launched

Welcome To Our Woods launch the Old Brewery site as a community space by hosting Avant Cymru production of Macbeth.

Aug,2022

Successful Lottery bid

Welcome To Our Woods receives confirmation that the Climate Action Fund Lottery bid was successful. A funding offer was made (subject to contract and final legal considerations).

Then in January 2023 the offer letter was signed by WTOW releasing 5 years Rhondda Skyline CAF funding.

Apr,2023

Community asset transfer of vacant land at Corbett Street

Community asset transfer of vacant land at Corbett Street, Penyrenglyn by RCTCBC to WTOW for the creation of a community orchard and growing space.

Sep,2023

Launch of Black Mountains College Rhondda

The first students arrive for the launch of Black Mountains College Rhondda.

2 NVQL2 courses: Coppicing and Green Wood Trades and Regenerative Horticulture.

Jan,2024

Community Orchard Planted

Community Orchard Planted and wassailing!

Jun,2024

Pilot for a community plastics recycling facility: Precious Plastics

WTOW begin working with CREST Cooperative (Colwyn Bay) and Circular Communities Cymru on a pilot community plastics recycling facility: Precious Plastics. Staff recruited in October 2024, funded by National Lottery Community Fund Wales. [Separate to Rhondda Skyline]. This collaborative pilot evolved into Plastic for Purpose as a WTOW standalone operation in early 2026.

Jul,2026

Launch of Crop Cycle Coffee

Launch of Crop Cycle Coffee social enterprise