Hands-on coppicing sessions reconnect people with sustainable forestry heritage

PENGELLI WOODS in Pembrokeshire was filled with the sound of axes and saws last week as volunteers gathered to learn the traditional craft of coppicing during a hands-on woodland skills day organised by Cwm Arian.

Participants joined staff and students from Cwm Arian and Coppicewood College for a practical session exploring sustainable woodland management techniques that have been used in West Wales for thousands of years.

Coppicing — a method that involves cutting trees near ground level to stimulate new growth — was once central to how communities managed local woodlands. The cyclical process provided a reliable supply of timber for fuel, tools, fencing and craftwork while allowing forests to regenerate naturally.

During the session, volunteers watched experienced woodland workers fell trees using traditional tools including axes, billhooks and two-person saws, before taking part themselves in processing the timber. They learned how different sizes of wood can be used for a range of purposes, from small sticks for bread ovens and riverbank stabilisation to larger lengths suitable for furniture or construction.

Organisers said the day was not only about practical skills but also about reconnecting people with nature and heritage.

One volunteer said: “The session was a real reminder of how our ancestors cared for the land. It’s incredible to see how these low-tech methods were not only practical but also sustainable — lessons that feel increasingly relevant today.”

Between activities, participants took time to observe the woodland environment, listen to birdsong and reflect on seasonal changes, helping to build a deeper connection with the landscape.

The event forms part of the CoedUNO project, a Cwm Arian initiative that promotes sustainable land management, biodiversity and heritage skills across North Pembrokeshire. Further volunteering opportunities are planned in the coming weeks:

• February 25 (9:30am – 12:30pm), Felindre Farchog: Tree planting of fruit, nut and native species
• March 4 (1:30pm – 4:30pm), CoedUNO Tegryn: Agroforestry site session
• March 12 (10:00am – 4:00pm), Pengelli Woods: Processing a felled tree using billhook and saw

Organisers say the sessions demonstrate how low-tech, human-led forestry can be both productive and regenerative — offering valuable insights as communities respond to climate change and the transition to sustainable energy.

Cwm Arian is a Community Benefit Society based in West Wales, originally established through a community wind turbine project in Llanfyrnach. The organisation now supports homes, community buildings and local groups to develop renewable energy systems and reduce carbon emissions.

CoedUNO, based in Tegryn, is the first agroforestry demonstration site within the National Forest for Wales. Designed using permaculture principles, the site combines conservation, education and community engagement while supporting wildlife habitats across the Taf and Teifi catchments.

For more information or to book a session, contact Kevin, Volunteer Organiser at Cwm Arian: [email protected].

Photos supplied by Anna Mounteney.

Nominations open across West Wales as communities invited to celebrate favourite venues

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has announced the return of his “Best Local Pub” competition for a second year, giving residents across West Wales the chance to recognise the pubs that sit at the heart of their communities.

Local pubs are often far more than places to enjoy a drink — they act as social hubs, meeting points, cultural venues and important employers. The competition aims to highlight the vital role these businesses play in bringing people together, supporting jobs and contributing to the regional economy.

Last year’s inaugural competition proved popular, with The Ivy Bush in Narberth crowned overall winner and The Highgate Inn in Hundleton named runner-up.

Mr Kurtz said he was pleased to expand the initiative this year to include nominations from across the whole of West Wales.

He said: “Last year’s competition was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see so many communities getting behind their local pubs. We’re thrilled to bring it back for a second year and give even more venues the opportunity to be recognised for the invaluable role they play.”

Figures underline the sector’s importance to the local economy. Across Mid and South Pembrokeshire there are around 162 pubs and five breweries, supporting approximately 1,175 jobs and contributing an estimated £57 million annually. In the Ceredigion Penfro area, 161 pubs and five breweries support around 1,800 jobs and contribute £59 million to the economy.

Residents can nominate their favourite pub via the website www.samuelkurtz.wales or through Mr Kurtz’s social media channels. Nominations are open throughout February, with the winning pub receiving a prize that includes a free barrel of standard beer of their choice, sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine and Spirit Co.

Mr Kurtz added: “Let’s work together to shine a spotlight on the pubs that have made a difference in our lives and continue to play a pivotal role in our towns and villages.”

Community partnership helps Wales squads prepare to defend titles in Tokyo

WELSH audiologists are backing the world-champion Wales Deaf Rugby squads with a major sponsorship as the teams prepare to defend their titles at the World Deaf Rugby 7s Championships in Tokyo later this year.

Support from eleven locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses will help fund new kits, training facilities and travel costs as the men’s and women’s teams gear up for international competition.

The sponsorship comes as Wales Deaf Rugby works towards a £150,000 fundraising target to enable both squads to travel to Japan and compete at the World Championship in October. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

Ahead of a recent victory against Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store, where they met audiologist Kyle James to discuss the role hearing plays in both sport and everyday life.

Kyle James said: “Wales Deaf Rugby shows what’s possible when talent is matched with the right support. We’re proud to be backing both the men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.

“As audiologists rooted in the local community, we see first-hand the difference good hearing health can make — not just in sport, but in confidence, communication and everyday life. Supporting these athletes is about inclusion, opportunity and helping them compete on the world stage.”

Siân-Elin Melbourne, chairman of Wales Deaf Rugby, said the partnership was particularly important during a pivotal year for the organisation.

She said: “This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially in such a significant year for the club. I was proud to be part of the very first Wales Deaf women’s team back in 2019, and to now see both squads preparing to defend world titles on the global stage is incredibly powerful.

“Support from Specsavers doesn’t just help with travel and kits — it sends a message to our players that they are valued, believed in and backed by their communities. As we build towards Tokyo, that belief makes all the difference.”

Wales Deaf Rugby is a Welsh sports charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting access, equality and excellence in sport. The organisation is volunteer-run and receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union.

People wishing to donate to the club’s World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship fundraiser can do so via the campaign page online. Those seeking expert guidance on hearing health can also book a hearing check through Specsavers.