Just to let you know we do have a Facebook page where you can upload photos, make comments, be kept up to date and ask questions. You’ll find it here
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=100161550040307&ref=ts

We welcome people volunteering to do work in the woodland. The work varies from simple things like cutting back brambles and gathering offcuts of larch branches to burn (which is the only level I can manage) to quite technical stuff involving chainsaws and tractors that require not only competence but sometimes proper accreditation.

We usually gather at 10.00 Sunday mornings outside Mineslope Cottage – the cottage on the right halfway up the hill from the car park. However our forest manager, Dave Higginson, is keen to start some afternoon groups as well, depending on people’s availability. Anyone interested in this idea should contact him at Mineslope Cottage. There is the possibility of some accredited training available for regular volunteers.

Do come and join us – you will be warmly welcomed, it beats paying a subscription to a gym to get good exercise and you get a real sense of achieving something worthwhile.

On November 5th we are holding a bonfire night event at the log circle by the containers. Come and watch the firework displays in Cwmbran from a place that’s safe even for dogs. Soup and rolls will be on sale, there will be a barbecue for people to cook their own food on, a fire to keep us all warm and a dazzling fire juggling display.

It starts at 6.30 but come when you like. You may wish to bring alcoholic drinks with you and a torch is definitely recommended.

Every Saturday from 30th July to 20th August, workers will be by the log circle from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon for adventure play in the woods for children aged 8+. This will include den building, making shelters, wood craft skills, cooking on a campfire, exporing and looking for wildlife.

It will all be outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear is essential. For further information, please contact the Play Team on 01495 742951

A great way to do the shopping whilst the children are happily occupied

The next walk showing what we hope to achieve and get feedback is next Saturday 19th January. Meet at the bottom car park for 10.30am start. It is open to all but children will need to be accompanied by an appropriate adult. It isn’t arduous and is expected to take about an hour and a half. It would be advisable to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for whatever the weather might throw at us.

A reminder that next Sunday, November 4th, we will have our annual firework watch. You provide a torch, whatever food and drink you want. We will provide a bonfire, a marquee, some logs to sit on, a lit barbecue and an excellent view of all the firework displays in the area. We expect to start things from 6.00pm but you are welcome to turn up anytime.