Tree Planting at Woody's Lodge

 

Here we are (Nina and Jim Milton) as part of the volunteer tree planters, getting almost a 1000 saplings into the ground at Woody's Lodge, which will be registered as part of the Queens Canopy across the UK. 

The Tree Planting scheme falls within the Egin ( Welsh for “green shoots”) Programme which aims to support communities in Wales, in tackling climate change and is administered by the National Lottery Community Fund and supported by Wales Govt. Woody’s part in this project enabled Veterans' community, families and children to re- introduce, Wales’ native deciduous tree species, eg. Oak, Birch, Elm, Beech, Alder, Holly, Hawthorn etc .at the Farm. 

The majority of the planting introduced saplings along Penlan’s boarders and hedgerows which will increase water uptake, reduce water runoff and improving overall drainage. The Project  also improves biodiversity in terms of bird, plant and insect species on site, adding to the attraction of the Farm for future family camping and Veteran users alike.

 Woody's Lodge are now begining to develop their new polytunnel, as well. The weather help up starting this project, but they are looking forward to getting stuck into the fitting out with benches and raised beds and focusing on some growing this coming spring, with a broader Growing Project at Penlan for a more sustainable future. This project was funded by Proceeds of Crime, and the polytunnel was supplied by 5 Star Poly Tunnels, build by James and team from Arb-Yr-Arth Tree Care of Aberaeron.

Woody’s Lodge is a Welsh charity.

It's aims are to serve  veterans of the Armed Forces, Reserves, Emergency
Services, and their families. They provide an inviting meeting space for veterans to re-engage with life, their families and their communities. They especially help with all the problems, physical, mental and emotional, that service veterans encounter, and bereavement help for families.

The history of Woody's Lodge is recent, but passionate. In 2012, Royal Marine and member of the Elite Special Boat Service, Paul “Woody” Woodland lost his life in a training exercise, before he was due to return for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Woody was born, bred and schooled in Penarth, South Wales, and had always wanted to be a Royal Marine. Once he completed his Armed Forces career, his dream had been to build a log cabin where he would be able to live with his family, peacefully and in safety.

Woody’s dream of owning a log cabin after his service became the inspiration for Woody’s Lodge. After 3 months of refurbishment, the first Woody’s Lodge opened. It was set within quiet green spaces where it had calming viewsof the Bristol Channel and offered a safe, peaceful and familiar surrounding for veterans and their families.

Penlan Farm is the newest 'Woody's Lodge' in Wales and hopes to cater for some big projects. It is located just off the B4571 within the boundaries of Penrhiwpal.  This includes some leisure and recreational activities, training and networking, with plans for training facilities. The farm benefits from two grants that will have a phenomenal impact on its growth and development.

Rhydlewisonians might know this stretch of land better as Penlan Farm.For people who haven't been in the neighbourhood for too long, Penlan was owned by Jane and Richard Cain for some years, and run as the centre for Penlan Perennials Nursery.  The following owners, Mr and Mrs Murphy gifted  the land to Woody's Lodge as they were impressed with the work they were doing.

Woody's Lodge is happy to show interested parties around Penlan Farm grounds, and to hear from people interested in volunteering. Contact Richard Rose at richard@woodyslodge.org.