Members – come and join in the fun on Easter Monday

Open only to members and members children and grandchildren

There will be a campfire (and so marshmallows and bread on sticks!) and plenty of craft activities for youngsters.

Refreshments (tea/coffee) available at a small cost

Joining the woodland is possible on the day of the event

As some of you will have seen on our facebook page, we have recently placed a new carved tractor and “Parsons Wood” sign at Blaen Bran.

The original items were damaged last year in an act of mindless vandalism, and have been sorely missed by children, adults and dogs too.

When we sought to replace them, Cwmbran Community Council offered to help and we are grateful to them for the funds which have resulted in a new tractor and trailer which have been placed at the entrance to the Parsons Wood area of Blaen Bran, near to our log circle

.

The sign into this area has also been replaced with a beautiful leaf design. The new structures were commissioned from Rhys Harris, of Bargoed.

Thanks to all who supported our very successful fundraising evening at the Bush on Monday 29th Feb.

The Quiz evening was a joint effort between Blaen Bran Community Woodland and the Friends of the Earth

As ever we are grateful to David Lucy and Corinne, who devised questions which baffled many and entertained all.

Thanks to Chris and staff at the Bush for their support on the night and also to those who generously donated raffle prizes.

A big thank you to the volunteers who helped to plant over 300 saplings along our upper boundary fence on Sunday 28th Feb.

It was a great turnout and a sterling effort as the ground was very tough and the hawthorn and blackthorn pretty spikey!

Hopefully the hedgerow will improve our boundary and provide a habitat for birds, mammals and insects alike, for years to come. It should also help to keep sheep and lambs out of the woodland and our dogs inside.

We have more young trees to plant in the coming weeks and will keep you posted on here – so keep checking the website for information

A very big thank you to Cwmbran Community Council who very kindly provided funds for the purchase of these young trees.

Great day up at the log circle area a couple of weeks ago.

We were joined by Sasha from “Wild Spirit” (web link here), who helped us create a wood henge structure which is the base, above which we suspended a parachute canopy giving us an event shelter. The structure is planned to be permanent with the canopy being put up only when required and is located by the log circle, forest school and ‘office’ portacabin – all part of the woodland dedicated to host and coordinate events.

It is hoped that we will make regular use of this excellent facility for such things as outdoor school activities, social events, gatherings etc. Let us know by contacting us here if you have any questions about the facility or are interested in using it. Do be aware, any events held there will need to be supervised by a trained woodland representative for insurance purposes so events will need to be pre-arranged.

The project has been funded by grant support and advice from Rhianon Trimm of “Space Saviours” (web link here) – an organisation aiming to make the most of the open spaces within our communities. See their website .

A special thank you to all those who worked so very hard to complete the job in one day.

(only a few were able to stay for the photo at the end – there were others who worked equally hard but left before the pic)

Of course we extend our sincere thanks to Sasha and Rhianon

Congrats and well done to our volunteers who successfully completed their training this week on the chipper machine. Brash – we’re coming to get you!

Steve Smith has recently joined us at Blaen Bran to help us look after the woodland. He will be on hand for volunteers looking for help, guidance or just a poke in the eye. He can be contacted on the Blaen Bran volunteer mobile number 07434042627. Steve has years and years of woodland experience (and he’s only 21) so feel free to contact him if you’re looking to help out at Blaen Bran in any way (planting/brash clearing/admin/tea making)

Steve is a regular on our facebook page too where he is aka “Coed Flidais”

Bank Holiday Monday,

21st April 2014,

2.00pm at the Log Circle

Quiz and Egg hunt throughout the afternoon

Come and enjoy Forest school activities

Why not bring a picnic to enjoy in our wonderful woodland

Our exciting new craft products will be on display.