Volunteers celebrate five years of success

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the volunteer programme at Bryngarw Country Park in Brynmenyn, Bridgend, which at 113 acres boasts Bridgend County Borough Council’s largest park landscapes.

The scheme has gone from strength to strength, with members of the local community donating their time and efforts (more than 2500 hours between them) to support preserving the park’s natural environment.

Cllr Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing said: “Bryngarw recently achieved the Green Flag Award, recognised as being amongst the best of its kind in the UK. This is due in no small part to the efforts, dedication and hard work of those members of the community who have invested their time and passions into the park. They should feel proud of what they have achieved – thank you and well done.”

Recent projects undertaken by the volunteers include:

the woodland garden project which created an area of woodland managed specifically for people with limited mobility;

the rhos pasture project that provided a sanctuary for a range of wildflowers and small mammals through restoring the natural habitat, and;

the nature garden project that involved developing an overgrown corner of the park into an educational nature garden; a vital component of the ranger’s environmental education service to local schools.

Sarah Gray, a volunteer for five years said: “I have always been interested in environmental conservation and natural history. Becoming a volunteer at Bryngarw seemed like a good way of putting interest into action as it is my local park and I have enjoyed visiting it for many years.

“The park is a lovely place to volunteer due to its natural diversity and habitats and I enjoy meeting new people with similar interests. The group work very well together as a team and I have learned a great deal over the last few years assisting the rangers. Working on projects can be very rewarding which benefits the local community and the future conservation of the park. “

These are just some of the projects and initiatives undertaken by the volunteers. If you would like to learn more about the work of the rangers and the volunteer programme or are interested in volunteering call the rangers office on 01656 725155, email: bryngarwpark@bridgend.gov.uk, or visit: www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk.