Building Hope Together

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“Time slows down, absorbed in a task, but pausing to look closely at a tree or at the views now and then is good for the soul. It is a reminder of why we need to work ever harder to protect our endangered natural environment.” Volunteer 2025

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The Carbon Community lives up to its name thanks to hundreds of people who contribute time, skills and enthusiasm each year. In 2025, volunteering ranged from hedgerow planting and hedge-laying to tree-planting weekends, tree-shelter removal, carbon study spruce-up days, and the flagship Big Tree Measure.​​ At each event, volunteers gather over tea and coffee before a briefing for the day. Then we are off to lay hedges, plant trees, collect tree shelters, maintain the site, or measure trees. Many of our volunteers come back again and again to learn, spend time together outdoors, and make a difference.

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"Volunteering at the Carbon Community is always such an overwhelmingly positive experience and a highlight of my week. Even when the weather is dreadful, the many positives - the community feeling, the tasty warm food, the stunning view of the viaduct, and (more than anything else) the satisfaction of literally watching trees grow and doing something that will have a long-term positive effect - massively outweigh the rain and wind. As always, I look forward to the next volunteering opportunity!" Volunteer 2025 

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In 2025, 120 volunteers contributed 321 volunteer days, with 36 people returning two or more times. After each event, we survey participants to gather suggestions for improvements and to understand what brings people to Glandwr Forest. There are many reasons, with the top two being to “spend a day outdoors” and to “get involved in tackling the climate crisis”.

This is the action that leads to hope.

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“It was such a great experience. The people were really welcoming. The scenery was beautiful. It felt so good to be outdoors doing some good in the world.” Volunteer 2025

Running a volunteering program of this scale requires planning, recruiting, equipment, training, catering, and, occasionally, outside expertise. The weather can also be a challenge. Big Tree Measure 2025 captured the spirit of “fabulous and ridiculous”, with the first day marked by torrential rain that tested equipment and volunteers alike. Yet, across nine days, teams persevered through mud, malfunctioning gadgets and shifting weather, ending in glorious sunshine and a collective sense of achievement as the final tree was measured.​​

This is all made possible by the people who join us, our supporters, and the dedication of our supervisors. A very special thank you to Sonia, Paul, Ric, and Phil. We could not have done it without you.

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“We are proud to have this wonderful project with groundbreaking science taking place on our doorstep. It will leave a fantastic legacy and a great asset for the community here.” Tree Walk Participant 2025

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Beyond volunteering days, Glandwr Forest welcomed visitors for guided tree walks, professional visits and learning exchanges. In September, we were visited by the South Wales Division of the Royal Forestry Society to learn more about the techniques being trialled at Glandwr. In June, guided Tree Walks led by Sonia Winder from Tilhill Forestry provided opportunities for people to explore and learn. We were delighted that so many local people were able to join us!

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Hope doesn’t happen by accident; it’s something we build together.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us in 2025.





If you would like to learn more about our volunteering opportunities, sign up as a volunteer!