🌸 Planting Over 200 Saplings for Our New Blossom Walk

The team got straight to work. They planted more than 200 young saplings to launch our new blossom walk. This project boosts biodiversity, strengthens habitats, and creates a colourful seasonal feature for everyone who visits Longwood.
We chose a diverse mix of blossom‑rich species. Each one adds colour, resilience, and value to wildlife. As these trees mature, they will transform the path into a bright corridor of spring blossom. Visitors will be able to walk beneath clouds of colour, enjoy the scent of flowering trees, and feel more connected to the woodland throughout the year.

🤝 Community, Collaboration, and Corporate Volunteering

Groundwork Wales and the National Grid brought energy and teamwork from the moment they arrived. They worked efficiently, supported one another, and kept spirits high throughout the day. Their hard work gave this project a strong start, and we’re incredibly grateful for their contribution.
Corporate volunteer days like this help us care for Longwood’s woodlands. They allow us to expand conservation work, improve habitats, and create new features for visitors. They also give teams a meaningful way to spend time outdoors, build connections, and support a community‑run woodland.

🌱 Looking Ahead — And How You Can Get Involved

These saplings will grow into a beautiful, wildlife‑friendly blossom walk that will brighten Olwen Wood for years to come. Thanks to everyone who joined us, this vision is already taking shape.

If you would like to arrange a volunteer day for your team, get in touch — we’d love to welcome you to Longwood and work together to grow something special.

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Today, our community came together for an important task: ash sapling relocation. A group of dedicated volunteers helped move young ash trees that were at risk of being destroyed during essential forestry works. Thanks to their hard work, these healthy saplings now have a safe new home where they can grow and thrive.

Why Ash Sapling Relocation Matters

Ash trees have faced enormous pressure in recent years. Ash dieback has devastated woodlands across the UK, leaving behind gaps in our landscapes and reducing biodiversity. Because of this, protecting healthy and disease‑resistant ash saplings is more important than ever.

Relocating these young trees gives them the best possible chance to mature. Each sapling represents hope for the long‑term recovery of ash populations. By saving them today, we’re helping to secure a more resilient woodland for tomorrow.

A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers

Our volunteers approached the task with patience, care, and real enthusiasm. They carefully lifted each sapling, preserved the roots, and replanted them in a safer location. It was thoughtful, hands‑on work, and every person who joined us made a meaningful difference.

Your time, energy, and commitment have ensured that these ash saplings can continue to grow. You didn’t just move trees — you helped protect a species that has shaped British woodlands for centuries.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to watch these saplings develop in their new home. With continued community support, we can protect more young trees, strengthen our woodland, and create a healthier environment for future generations.

If today’s work has inspired you and you’d like to get involved in future activities, we’d love to hear from you. You can find out how to volunteer with us here

Thank you once again to everyone who took part in today’s ash sapling relocation. Your efforts truly matter. 🌱💚

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On Saturday, our Biodiversity and Engagement Officer, Beth, joined our friends from Lampeter Family Centre for the Saint David’s Day Parade Lampeter. As the parade began, the town quickly filled with colour, music, and movement. Families gathered along the streets, and children waved flags and carried bright banners. Because the event celebrates Wales’ national day, the atmosphere felt especially warm and proud. The parade is always a highlight; however, this year felt even more connected, as many familiar faces joined in and greeted one another along the route.

🐦 Walking Together Through Town

Beth walked with the Lampeter Family Centre team and spoke with parents, carers, and supporters throughout the morning. As conversations flowed, the sense of community grew stronger. Being present at events like this matters to us, since the community sits at the heart of Longwood. These shared moments—walking, talking, and celebrating—build trust and deepen relationships. Moreover, taking part in the Saint David’s Day Parade Lampeter allowed us to show our support for a partner organisation that works tirelessly for local families.

🌳 Community at the Centre of Longwood

Saint David’s Day celebrates Welsh culture, language, and community spirit. Because these values guide our work all year, the parade felt like a natural place for us to be. We support families as they explore the woodland, run biodiversity sessions, and work with local groups on events and projects. Through each activity, we aim to bring people closer to nature and to one another. We’re grateful to Lampeter Family Centre for inviting us to join them again. Their dedication inspires us, and we always enjoy working alongside them. We hope everyone who joined the parade—or cheered from the pavement—had a brilliant day. Diolch yn fawr, Lampeter!

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In the weeks before the visit, our volunteers worked hard to clear and prepare the garden. Because of their effort, the space was ready for families to get involved as soon as they arrived. Children explored the area and learned why wildflowers matter. They also enjoyed taking part in a project that will continue to grow throughout the year. As a result, the session felt both fun and meaningful for everyone involved.

The seeds planted during the visit will bring colour and movement to the garden as the seasons change. As the flowers bloom, they will attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This will support local wildlife and increase biodiversity across the woodland. In addition, the new wildflower patch will add a bright, sensory‑rich feature to our Dragon Sensory Trail giving families even more to discover on future visits. It will therefore become a space that encourages curiosity, calm, and connection with nature.

Events like this show how valuable community partnerships can be. We’re grateful to Lampeter Family Centre for joining us, and we’re equally thankful to the volunteers who made the activity possible. Watching the children take part with such enthusiasm was a lovely reminder of how important these shared outdoor moments are for building confidence and nurturing a love of the natural world.
We’re excited to see the wildflowers grow over the coming months. Afterwards, we look forward to welcoming families back to enjoy the garden as it changes through the year.

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First, attendees reviewed the year just gone. This included developments within the Welsh timber industry and the wider market. Next, the group discussed current challenges. These included timber supply, sustainability, and skills across the sector. Importantly, the AGM also looked ahead to future opportunities for Welsh-grown timber.

In addition, attendees discussed the latest Confor manifesto, produced for the Welsh Government ahead of this year’s Senedd election. The discussion focused on how policy could better support forestry, woodland management, and the wider timber supply chain in Wales. For more details, the manifesto can be viewed on the Confor website here. This gave sawmillers a valuable chance to share their views and consider the sector’s priorities in the years ahead.

Supporting the Welsh Timber Sector

As a business committed to the Welsh forestry and sawmilling sector, Longwood was pleased to host the AGM. The venue offered a practical and welcoming environment. Because of this, discussions were open, constructive, and well informed.

Moreover, bringing Welsh sawmillers together remains essential. The industry continues to face economic pressures and changing regulations. At the same time, demand for sustainable, locally sourced materials is increasing. Therefore, collaboration across the sector is more important than ever.

Face-to-face meetings allow businesses to share knowledge. They also help build stronger relationships. In addition, they encourage new ideas and partnerships that support long-term resilience. Attendees were also able to tour Longwood’s own sawmill facilities, seeing firsthand how local timber is processed and managed sustainably.

Collaboration and Industry Connections

Alongside the formal AGM agenda, time was set aside for networking. These informal conversations were equally valuable. They allowed sawmillers to share experiences, compare approaches, and discuss common challenges.

Furthermore, the AGM highlighted the importance of working together. By collaborating, Welsh sawmills can support local forestry. They can also reduce reliance on imported timber. In turn, this strengthens local supply chains and promotes sustainable practices.

Finally, the meeting reinforced a shared commitment to the future of the timber industry in Wales. Through continued cooperation, the sector can remain adaptable, resilient, and forward-looking.

Longwood would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to a successful AGM. We are proud to support events that promote Welsh timber, local sawmills and sustainable forestry, and we look forward to hosting similar industry gatherings in the future.

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What Is Rhododendron ponticum?

Rhododendron ponticum was introduced to Britain in the 18th century as a garden plant. Since then, it has spread widely and is now classed as an invasive species. In many British woodlands, rhododendron grows quickly and outcompetes native plants.

Why Is Rhododendron Harmful to British Woodlands?

Rhododendron forms a dense canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the woodland floor. As a result, native woodland plants such as bluebells, primroses and wood anemones cannot grow. When these plants disappear, insects, birds and mammals also lose vital food and shelter.

Rhododendron also changes the soil. Its leaves break down slowly and increase soil acidity. This makes it harder for native species to return, even after rhododendron has been removed. In heavily affected areas, woodlands can become dominated by rhododendron, reducing biodiversity.

Rhododendron and Plant Disease

Rhododendron can carry Phytophthora ramorum, often known as “sudden oak death”. While the plant may show few symptoms, it can spread the disease to native trees such as oak, beech and larch. This creates an additional risk to woodland health.

How Is Rhododendron Removed?

Removing rhododendron from woodland takes time and ongoing management. Mature plants are cut back and treated to prevent regrowth. These areas are then monitored over several years.

Once rhododendron is removed, more light reaches the woodland floor. This allows native plants to return and creates better conditions for insects, birds and other wildlife.

Restoring Biodiversity in Longwood

The hope is that now these areas have been cleared, native species will be able to reclaim the space, with woodland flowers gradually returning and wildlife once again finding food and shelter. Over time, this will help restore the natural balance of the ecosystem and make the woodland more resilient to future pressures such as climate change.

Although it can be surprising to see rhododendron being removed, this work is essential for protecting biodiversity in Longwood. Careful woodland management helps ensure the site remains healthy for future generations.

To learn more about our woodland management work or to get involved through volunteering, please follow our website and social media channels.

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Who Was St Dwynwen? Wales’ Patron Saint of Lovers

St Dwynwen is remembered as the Welsh patron saint of lovers, celebrated each year on 25 January. According to tradition, she fell in love with a man named Maelon Dafodrill. When their love could not be fulfilled, Dwynwen prayed to be freed from her sorrow.

Her prayers were answered: Maelon was transformed, true lovers were blessed, and Dwynwen devoted her life to God, founding a religious community on Llanddwyn Island. Her story highlights compassion, sacrifice, and the timeless human experiences of love and loss.

The Story of Culhwch and Olwen

While St Dwynwen represents spiritual love, the tale of Culhwch and Olwen from the medieval Mabinogion celebrates heroic love. Culhwch, cursed to marry only Olwen, must complete a series of impossible tasks set by her giant father, Ysbaddaden, aided by King Arthur and his warriors.

Olwen herself is described as life-giving—flowers grow wherever she walks. The story emphasizes perseverance, cooperation, and love as a transformative force. It also shows how Welsh legends connect human emotion with nature, heroism, and storytelling.

Olwen Wood Near Lampeter: Where Story Meets Place

Olwen Wood, part of Longwood Community Woodland, is linked in local tradition to Olwen from Culhwch and Olwen. While the tale itself is legendary, the woodland preserves the cultural memory of these stories, rooting myth in the real landscape.

Walking through Olwen Wood today, visitors can experience the connection between legend and nature. The circular trail keeps Welsh storytelling alive, offering a space where imagination and history meet.

Celebrating Love and Landscape

Both St Dwynwen and Olwen reflect love in different ways. Dwynwen’s devotion shows love as sacrifice and compassion, while Olwen’s presence symbolizes life, growth, and harmony with the natural world. Together, their stories remind us that love is not only personal—it shapes communities, landscapes, and traditions across Wales.

Celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day at Olwen Wood

This Sunday, mark St Dwynwen’s Day with a walk around Olwen Wood, celebrating Welsh love, legend, and landscape at Longwood Community Woodland.

Explore the woodland and find your own connection to these stories by visiting our trails page.

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We were pleased to welcome volunteers to the first session of our new volunteer programme. It was a positive and productive start, with plenty achieved on the day.

The programme is designed to support the long-term care of the woodland while giving people the chance to get involved locally, learn new skills, and enjoy time outdoors.

Practical Conservation Work on Day One

Volunteers worked on a range of practical tasks that will benefit both wildlife and visitors.

One of the main activities was cutting a new pathway halfway around the pond. This will improve access and help guide visitors safely through the area, while protecting sensitive habitats nearby.

Preparing a Dead Hedge Near the Visitor Centre

Another key task was preparing the groundwork for a dead hedge close to the Visitor Centre.

Volunteers helped by:

• Collecting suitable stakes

• Pointing the stakes

• Placing them securely into the ground

Once completed, the dead hedge will provide valuable habitat for insects, birds, and small mammals. It will also help manage access and protect surrounding areas of the woodland.

A Great Team Effort

The session brought together volunteers of all experience levels. Everyone worked well as a team, shared knowledge, and supported one another throughout the day.

The enthusiasm shown on this first session has set a strong foundation for the volunteer programme going forward.

Join Us Every Tuesday

Our community woodland volunteer programme runs every Tuesday, and everyone is welcome. No previous experience is needed — just suitable clothing and a willingness to help.

Volunteering is a great way to:

• Support your local community woodland

• Spend time in nature

• Meet new people

• Make a positive difference for wildlife and the local area

Whether you can attend regularly or just occasionally, your contribution will help care for the woodland for future generations. Get in touch to find out more.

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Welcoming New Leadership and Trails

This year, the directors welcomed two new members to the board. Their addition brought fresh ideas and energy to guide the future of the woods.

In addition, one of our proudest achievements was the new accessible sensory trail. It allows visitors of all abilities to enjoy nature in a calm and engaging way.

Community Events and Visitors

We also welcomed many new faces to the woods.

For example, local family centres visited, the fantastic equestrian event brought crowds, and newcomers explored the woods near their homes. As a result, it was wonderful to see Longwood buzzing with life.

Moreover, we even took part in this year’s Children in Need special episode of Weatherman Walking — a real highlight that showcased Longwood to a wider audience.

Looking Ahead: Volunteers and Your Voice

Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting year. Our volunteer programme returns on 13 January. Through this programme, the community can get involved, help care for the woods, and have a say in its future. Find out more and sign up here.

Additionally, we want your input! Our survey about the future of Longwood is still open. Share your thoughts here. Your feedback will help shape plans for 2026 and beyond.

Thank You for a Wonderful Year

As we move into 2026, we do so with gratitude and optimism. The sense of connection and shared care that shaped 2025 will guide Longwood into the future.

Finally, thank you to everyone who visited, supported, and volunteered. We look forward to welcoming you back to the woods in the year ahead.

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We’re inviting our local community to take part in the Longwood community consultation survey and help shape the future of this much-loved woodland space. Longwood is a place for walking, learning, events, and enjoying nature, and we’re now exploring plans to improve facilities so that more people can benefit from what it has to offer. These plans include renovating the existing visitor centre and toilet facilities, and creating a new Engagement Hub – a flexible indoor space for community activities, learning, and group visits.

To help make this happen, we plan to apply for funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. A key part of this process is hearing directly from the people who use – or would like to use – Longwood.

Why your voice matters

Your feedback will help us:

• Understand how people currently use Longwood

• Learn about events people have attended

• Identify barriers to access and inclusion

• Explore what facilities and activities would be most valuable

• Demonstrate strong community support for future funding

Whether you visit regularly, haven’t been for a while, or have never visited at all, we’d love to hear from you. Every response helps ensure that any future development reflects local needs and benefits a wide range of people.

What does the survey cover?

The survey asks about:

• Your visits to Longwood

• Events you may have attended in the last year

• What you value most about the site

• Ideas for future improvements

• Accessibility and inclusion

• A few optional demographic questions to help us understand who we’re reaching

The survey is anonymous and should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

Have your say

This is a real opportunity to influence how Longwood develops in the years ahead. By sharing your views, you’re helping us create a space that supports wellbeing, learning, and community connection.

👉 Take the survey here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8nepRFw9vIPqOgeoQZB2PwYKrO4JOUNahzvC8xRC-GbaqaQ/viewform?usp=header

Thank you for taking the time to support Longwood and be part of its future.

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