Written by Coed Lleol Llais y Goedwig (the community woodland network for Wales) recently held its first ever AGM in Lampeter. Hosted in conjunction with the Long Wood Community Woodland, the two-day conference included a key note speech from Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones; informative workshops, speakers and discussions, and a visit to nearby Long Wood Community Woodland.

“Llais y Goedwig is providing a valuable role in increasing understanding of the needs of those people with an interest in woodlands and ensuring their views are considered in the development of woodland policy;” said the Minister.

In brilliant sunshine, the Long Wood Community Woodland group escorted over 60 delegates through the woodlands stopping at various points to explore the tree nursery, forest school, viewpoint, Hobs Garden and roundhouse. The visit coincided with the official opening of the Tir Coed open-air theatre, built in conjunction with the Prince’s Trust.

The conference was opened by Philip Swain; Chair of Long Wood Community Woodland and member of the Llais y Goedwig Board, Selwyn Walters; Mayor of Lampeter, and Roger Davies; Chair of Llais y Goedwig.    Following presentations from a number of community woodlands including Blaen Bran (S.E.Wales) Coed Marros (West Wales) and Golygfa Gwydyr (North Wales) the Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones said:
"I would like to congratulate all those involved in setting up the Llais y Goedwig initiative and I welcome the support that Coed Lleol and Forestry Commission Wales have shown in the development of this new organisation."

The second day featured workshops and practical skills sharing and the official business of the AGM.  A new board of Directors was elected, representing a wide range of community woodland groups/interests and geographic coverage.

Roger Davies, newly re-elected Board member said; “This is an exciting time for community woodland projects in Wales; Llais y Goedwig, the grassroots association run by and for community woodland groups, is growing from strength to strength. Llais y Goedwig offers community woodland groups in Wales a real chance to get their voice heard at policy level on the issues that really matter on the ground. It also offers support and advice to community woodland groups on wide range of issues related to woodlands and communities.”

This is also the time to join the network as you will have a real opportunity to be part of the future of Llais y Goedwig. Membership is free for 2009 and is open to any community woodland in Wales – and anyone else can join as an associate member!
More details are available on the Llais y Goedwig website: www.llaisygoedwig.org.uk


Editors notes:
The press release is available in Welsh, please contact us on the details below if you require this version.
High res versions of images and further alternative images can be supplied on request.
Please contact us for further details on 01654 703366 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What is a Community Woodland? A Community Woodland is a woodland for people, they are managed, cared for and used by the local community, and are usually supported by a Community Woodland Group.  The woodland can be owned or leased by the group, or managed in partnership with another organisation.  Community woodlands can be any woodland types, large or small, in either urban or rural areas, and vary in the level of community involvement.

Llais y Goedwig is an association to support and represent community woodlands in Wales.
Llais y Goedwig is supported by Coed Lleol who act as a secretariat. Coed Lleol is a partnership aimed at reconnecting people and woods in Wales and is hosted by the Small Woods and funded by the Forestry Commission Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales.

For further information please contact:

Llais y Goedwig
Ty Bro Ddyfi,
52 Heol Maengwyn,
Machynlleth,
Powys,
SY20 8DT

01654 703366

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www.llaisygoedwig.org.uk