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’s largest park landscapes.
The scheme has gone from strength to strength with members of the local community donating their time and effort – more than 2,500 hours between them – to support and preserve the park’s natural environment.
Councillor Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “Bryngarw recently achieved the Green Flag Award, recognised as being among 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 passion into the park. They should feel very proud of what they have achieved, and have our thanks and congratulations.”
Recent projects undertaken by the volunteers include:
- A woodland garden project, which has created an area of woodland managed specifically for people with limited mobility.
- The Rhos pasture project, which has established a sanctuary for a range of wildflowers and small mammals by restoring natural habitats.
- A nature garden project that has transformed an overgrown corner of the park into an educational nature garden – a vital component of the rangers’ environmental education service for 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 my 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 by assisting the rangers.
“Working on such projects can be very rewarding, and benefits the local community as well as the future conservation of the park.“
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: [email protected], or visit: www.bryngarwhouse.co.uk.
