Warning! The clearing of the larch above the track between the Mountain air gate and the gate by the start of the stream is expected to begin on Monday 7th April. This means this part of the woodland will be out of bounds for up to three months. Notices will be put up warning of this. There is more guidance here Newsletter 12.
Next woodland walk
We are holding a series of walks to look at different sections of the wood to look at the woodland management plan ‘on the ground’ including getting views on what people what like to see done in the wood. This particular walk will focus on the forest school area.
This is on Saturday 22nd March at 10.20am for 10.30am start, meeting in the lower car park. The walk will be approximately one and a half hours.
All ages are welcome as long as parents/ grandparents accompany children or vice versa! Also please feel free to bring along non-members you know so they have a chance to walk in the woods as well.
It would be helpful to have some idea of numbers, so if you are interested in coming then contact David Williams, who is leading the walk, on 01633 875704 or 0793 9003131.
It will not be an arduous walk but do wear stout shoes/boots and dress warmly, bringing waterproofs if necessary.
Our ever popular social evening
Our ever popular social evening is back. It’s at the Bush Inn on February 25th at 7.30pm. There are games and quizzes. Tickets are £5 which includes food and the first game. All other games are 50p. Tickets are available by phone from 01633 875704 or 01495 767983 or from the Bush Inn.
It’s very informal, lots of fun and teams are usually formed on the night. Here’s a poster you can download with all the information.
Woodland walk 22nd February
We are holding a series of walks to look at different sections of the wood to look at the woodland management plan ‘on the ground’ including getting views on what people what like to see done in the wood. This particular walk will focus on the arboretum.
This is on Saturday 22nd February at 10.20am for 10.30am start, meeting in the lower car park. The walk will be approximately one and a half hours.
All ages are welcome as long as parents/ grandparents accompany children or vice versa! Also please feel free to bring along non-members you know so they have a chance to walk in the woods as well.
It would be helpful to have some idea of numbers, so if you are interested in coming then contact David Williams, who is leading the walk, on 01633 875704 or 0793 9003131.
It will not be an arduous walk but do wear stout shoes/boots and dress warmly, bringing waterpro
Wildlife in Torfaen talks
Torfaen Council are running a series of taks entitled “Wildlife in Torfaen” given by Chris Hatch, a naturalist and wildlife photographer. They all take place at Llanyrafon Manor and begin Tuesday 4th February.
There will be six 2 hour sessions all commencing at 7pm at Llanyafon Manor. As space is limited, booking is essential via Carla Kavanagh Tel:01633 648308. Email: Carla Kavanagh@torfaen.gov.uk. Talk dates as follows.
Feb 4th (Tues), 12th (Wed), 18th (Tues)
March 6th (Thurs), 11th (Tues), 18th (Tues)
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to all Blaen Bran Community Woodland members and visitors
Why not become a friend of the woodland?
Boxing Day Walk and Bonfire
We had a great walk and bonfire on Boxing Day.
Sausages on sticks, marshmallows, mulled wine and hot soup – couldn’t be better.
The treasure hunt for the kids was a big success too
Why not join our facebook group, where you can be entertained by the wit and humour of dog walkers !!! Amazed by our local historians!!!
Confounded by our quizmeisters!!! or simply enjoy good online company.
Join us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/blaenbran/
Blaen Bran Forest school
Great news.
Work is well under way on our forest school project. Funded by Environment Wales, the project is being undertaken by Blaen Bran Woodland Services, and should be completed soon. An area of our woodland just above the log circle, to the right of the main track will be opened up to create an area within the woodland to allow activities such as Forest school and woodland skills to be undertaken. This would provide opportunities for people and groups of all ages. Encouraging young people to experience and explore their natural environment, developing skills using natural materials, building self-esteem and confidence.
It will entail creating trails through woodland to allow for exploration, and clearings to be established for activities/classes, with woodland furniture to be created from the woodland itself. Raised beds will be created for the planting and propagation of flora.
The hard graft has been carried out by Dave Higginson, our woodland manager, with tremendous support from volunteers, old and new.