access, audience development and training plan

VZJAssociates

Crud yr Awel t/f: 01792 390480 Rhossili m: 0781 616 9807 Swansea [email protected] SA3 1PL

Penllergare Valley Woods

Access, Audience Development and Training Plan

Prepared for the Penllergare Trust

October 2008

Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 II

Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 4

Chapter 2: The Current Situation 7

2.1 Introduction 7

2.2 Land Ownership and Tenure 8

2.3 The Penllergare Trust 8

2.4 Community Education and Engagement Programme 11

2.5 Interpretation and Information 17

2.6 Identity, Marketing and Promotion 19

2.7 Physical Access 19

2.8 Current Levels of Visitor Access 24

Chapter 3: Context and Background 28

3.1 Policy and Strategic Context 28

3.2 Demographic and Socio-Economic Context 33

3.3 Tourism Context and Market Analysis 36

3.4 SWOT Analysis 43

Chapter 4: Access, Audience Development and Training Opportunities 44

4.1 Introduction 44

4.2 Education and Life Long Learning 44

4.3 Health and Wellbeing 48


4.5 Visitor Interpretation and Information 51

4.6 Brand Identity, Marketing and Advertising 54

4.7 Community Engagement 56

4.8 Volunteering 57

4.9 Training 58

Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 III

Chapter 5: Access, Audience Development and Training Plan 61

5.1 Introduction 61

5.2 Education and Life Long Learning 61

5.3 Health and Wellbeing 62


5.5 Visitor Interpretation and Information 63

5.6 Brand Identity, Marketing and Advertising 64

5.7 Community Engagement 66

5.8 Volunteering 67

5.9 Training 67

Appendix 1 Consultees 69

Appendix 2 Visitor Survey; Estimated Visitor Counts 71

Appendix 3: Survey of Friends 80

Appendix 4: Equal Opportunities Policy 86

Appendix 5: Public Transport 90

Appendix 6: Demographic Characteristics 91

Appendix 7: Tourism 96

Appendix 8: SWOT Analysis 100

Appendix 9: School consultations, National Curriculum,

FE and HE Sector 108

Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 4

Chapter

1

Introduction

In April 2008 the Penllergare Trust appointed VZJ Associates to undertake an Access

Audience Development and Training Plan for Penllergare Valley Woods. At the same

time landscape architects, Nicholas Pearson Associates were commissioned to

prepare a Conservation Management Plan to guide the future regeneration and

management of the site. These plans will provide comprehensive documentation to

guide the further development of Penllergare Valley Woods as outlined in the

Penllergare Trust’s Mission Statement:

To protect, conserve, restore, regenerate and maintain Penllergare, it being an

historically and culturally important component of South Wales heritage with

community involvement at its heart. Public access and enjoyment, education

training will be balanced with protection and enhancement of the historic design

and fabric and an increasing diversity of species and habitats.

Penllergare Valley Woods is an important historical and cultural landscape for reasons

given in this brief summary from the Glamorgan Register of Landscapes, Parks and

Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales (Valley Woods is designated a Grade II

landscape):

The partial survival of a very important picturesque and Romantic landscape of

the mid-19th century, the creation of John Dillwyn Llewelyn, a nationally important

figure in horticulture. The site is unusual in that there are numerous contemporary

photographs of it, taken by Llewelyn, who was also a pioneer of photography.

Although much of the exotic planting has gone, the structure of his landscape

remains, as do the ruins of his pioneering orchideous housing in the walled

kitchen garden.

A large-scale picturesque layout of formerly wooded park and grounds, including

lakes and an artificial waterfall.

For many years the role and status of Penllergare Valley Woods has been debated by

various local authority administrations. The West Glamorgan Structure Plan included

the Woods as a visitor destination and the former Lliw Valley District Authority

conceived a vision for a Country Park. However, decades of damage and neglect

created a relatively wild and in some places impenetrable environment, which deterred

all but the most adventurous visitors. Indeed, a State of the Park report1, written in

2005 highlighted the state of dereliction:

It is difficult to imagine a site, which is supposed to function as a place, which

actively encourages public access that could be so discouraging …

The encroachment of shrubby vegetation is an obvious threat to safety and ease

of movement along footpaths and tracks …

At a number of locations one or more abandoned and burnt out cars and

incidences of fly-tipping were noted …

Its relevance to nearby communities is very limited and its appeal is greatly

reduced by the effects of anti-social behaviour, theft and criminal damage and

unsafe atmosphere.

1 Anthonly Jellard Associates, Penllergare Country Park, Swansea – State of the Park, 2005


It was as a result of this report that the Penllergare Trust decided to seek the current

tenant’s agreement to carry out specified works, which have, particularly over the past

three years, successfully transformed the character and increased the safety and

accessibility of the site. Whilst considerable progress has been made the aims of the

Trust are yet to be fully achieved:

To further the protection, conservation and restoration of the cultural

landscape of Penllergare

To protect and enhance Penllergare‟s diversity of wildlife

To provide an oasis in the surrounding urbanisation for free, quiet enjoyment

by local people and visitors on foot

To promote knowledge and appreciation of Penllergare, its history and

biodiversity

To provide sustainable training and employment (including volunteers)

Penllergare Valley Woods is located on the North Western fringe of Swansea

immediately south of the M4 motorway and accessible from Junction 47 via the A482.

The 100 hectare site extends southwards and parallel with the A483 Swansea Road

to Cadle Mill in the South.

Valley Woods is surrounded by communities of housing on all sides with the nearest

being the recently developed estate of private housing at Parc Penllergaer, which

abuts the site on its northwestern boundary. This new estate is divided from the village

of Penllergaer by the A483 dual carriageway. Immediately to the south of Valley

2 Grid Reference SS623990


Woods lies the Communities First area, which encompasses the social housing

estates of Portmead, Blaenymaes and Penlan.

An area of open fields and Cadle Heath, to the east and south separates Valley

Woods from these communities and from the suburbs of Llangyfelach and Morriston

to the east. Outline planning permission has been obtained for a golf resort and

housing development on 149 acres abutting the north-eastern boundary of Valley

Woods. This proposal includes the development of a golf academy, 80 residential

lodges and a luxury housing estate.

Valley Woods, surrounded as it is by large housing estates, is ideally positioned to fulfil

the identified need for a large green space in the North of Swansea, an area

particularly lacking in accessible open spaces and parks and to meet government

recommendations for quality accessible green space:

Young people want to play and spend time outside and it‟s important that we

provide suitable spaces for them.

Tessa Jowell. Secretary of State Department of Culture, Media and Sport3

This report presents an independent assessment of existing barriers to access at

Penllergare Valley Woods and suggests ways of overcoming these barriers through a

programme of actions aimed at increasing access and extending the range of visitors

to the site. It also suggests ways of capitalising on the market potential to broaden the

range of day visitors. Throughout the report, due regard is given to the quality and

character of the estate and the need to preserve and conserve the historic fabric.

The study involved secondary research using existing reports and other materials

complemented by a programme of consultations with local voluntary and statutory

organisations, users of Valley Woods, the Friends organisation, Valley Woods User

Forum and others (see Appendix 1 for a full list). The aim of the consultation exercise

was to gain an understanding of common issues of concern and interest.

This report goes on to outline the current situation in terms of ongoing Trust activities

and achievements of the recent past (Chapter 2). This is followed by a presentation of

the policy and organisational context (Chapter 3) and a presentation of the key issues

arising from the research and consultations (Chapter 4). Current and potential

audience analysis is presented in Chapter 5 and finally the Action Plan is presented in

Chapter 6.

3 Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, Children need Safe and Stimulating Places to Play. A review of children’s

play areas, 2002


Chapter

2

The Current Situation

2.1 Introduction

The awards of grant funding over recent years have helped the Trust to invest in the

regeneration and management of Valley Woods. In 2006, the award of Cydcoed –

Woodlands for All funding (European Objective 1) enabled on site works including

footpath improvements, clearing and replanting to create a community forest in the

southern area of the site, now known as Coed Nydfwch. This was followed by a grant

from the Forestry Commission under the Forestry Commission’s Better Woodlands for

Wales scheme (2008), which will ensure that this process continues over the next four

years over the whole site. An additional award in 2008 of grant funding under the Big

Lottery Fund’s People and Places scheme will develop and extend the community

engagement and education programme that has been running for seven years (see

below) and which has so far been supported by the Swansea Compact Development

Fund.

Users of Valley Woods deeply appreciate the regeneration of the site and are grateful

to the Trust given the long years of neglect and vandalism. The programme of

community involvement is also appreciated along with the various communications

media developed by the Trust. However, the Trust has been necessarily cautious not

to raise public expectations too high given the prevailing uncertainties over tenure, the

extent of the works yet required and existing safety issues. To date the approach to

increasing visitor access through physical works, information and promotion has been

low key and appropriate to the available resources.

Until recently the work of the Trust has been hampered by shortage of funds and the

inability to employ people on any but short-term contracts. Whilst the work of

volunteers has been invaluable and will be even more so in future, the input of trained

staff is needed in order to manage the regeneration programme, volunteers and staff,

and to further the aims of increasing access to the site and developing audiences.

Certainly revenue funding is a constant challenge for the project and the Trust aims to

address this issue through developing its volunteer programme in the short term and

in the longer term to investigate the potential for sustainable income focusing on the

visitor product and woodland enterprises.

This section aims to introduce the Trust and to summarise its approach over recent

years under the following headings:

Land Ownership and Tenure

The Penllergare Trust

Community Engagement and Education Programme

Information and Interpretation

Brand Image, Marketing and Promotion

Physical Access


Current Levels of Visitor Access

2.2 Land Ownership and Tenure

A complexity of ownership and tenancy agreements underpins current management

arrangements at Penllergare:

Terrace Gardens and Coed Nydfwch (southern valley) – predominantly

owned by the Llysdinam Trust and currently the subject of 125 year leases by

the developers, BJ Land Holdings Ltd (since 1991), who were required under

106 agreements to protect the historic landscape and provide the promised

country park for public access. Bellway Homes built the houses at Parc

Penllergaer but the country park did not materialise.

Walled Gardens – held by the Penllergaer Demesne Lands Settlement Trust

and formerly subject to a residential building agreement in favour of Bellway

Homes Wales Ltd. A tenancy agreement for the Trust is currently in

negotiation.

Civic Centre, associated car parks and equatorial observatory – owned by the

City and County of Swansea Council.

Upper and Middle Lodges – ownership is uncertain although likely to be

privately owned.

The culvert to the north, which is over-passed by the M4 motorway and A48

trunk road, is owned by the Highways Agency.

Overhead power transmission lines - the subject of way-leaves.

Tip site to the east - BJ has access and responsibility for this.

Underlying foul sewers – currently owned by BJ and said to be awaiting

adoption.

The Trust recognises the need to acquire a lease over the first two areas if it is to

resolve the arrangements in order to progress to next stage of restoration.

2.3 The Penllergare Trust

The Penllergare Trust was incorporated in May 2000 as a company limited by

guarantee (no. 4004593) and as a registered charity (no. 1082128). The Trust was

formed in response to the failure of past planning agreements to provide a country

park at Penllergare.

Trust meetings are held every two months and individuals representing the following

groups and organisations are invited as observers: The Gower Society, Blaenymaes,

Portmead and Penplas Development Trust, local residents and users of Valley Woods

and the local County Councillor for Penllergaer.

Although officially exempt, the Trust complies with the SORP provisions for risk

management. The Equal Opportunities policy is at Appendix 4.

The Trust is registered with the WCVA Criminal Records Unit under Reference REG-

SA-16-1060.

Insurance cover is maintained under the BTCV scheme.


2.3.1 The Trustees

The current Trustees are individuals with considerable credentials, skills and

experience making them ideally qualified to take the project forward:

Chair: Hal Moggridge, OBE, PPLI, VMH, FIHort, RIBA, AAdipl

Currently: Member of the Architectural panel of the National Trust;

Board Member of the Landscape Foundation

Formerly: Professor of Landscape Architecture at Sheffield

University; President of the Landscape Institute; Commissioner of the

Royal Fine Art Commission

Awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour of the Royal Horticultural

Society (RHS)

Professional Commissions include: Royal Parks; RHS Gardens,

Wisley; Blenheim Park; Aberglasney; National Botanic Gardens of

Wales

Ancestral connections to Penllergare

Trustee: Richard Morris, MPhil, FRPS

Formerly: Chair of the Historical Group of the Royal Photographic

Society; lecturer for the National Society of Decorative and Fine Art

Societies

Extensive historical knowledge of the Llewelyns and Penllergare.

Author of Penllergare – A Victorian Paradise

Familial connections to Penllergare

MPhil on John Dilwyn Llewelyn, Brunel University

Trustee: Phillip James, MRICS

Currently: Area Manager, South West Wales for the National Trust;

responsible for restoration of medieval landscape of Dinefwr near

Llandeilo

Formerly: planned and supervised restoration of Llanerchaeron

country estate, Aberaeron

Trustee: Stephanie Evans, BA (Hons) Town and Country Planning, Dip Arch

Con

Currently: Curator for South Wales of the National Trust

Formerly: Head of Development Control, Brecon Beacons National

Park; specialist in conservation and urban design for Cardiff and

Swansea Councils

Trustee: Geraldine Donovan, BSc (Jt Hons), Dip.L.D, M.L.I. (Chartered),

F.R.S.A

Currently: Restoration Project Manager for Dyffryn Gardens; Judge

for Civic Trust’s Green Flag Award Scheme

Formerly: Landscape architect in Japan and Tonga; Member of

Design Commission for Wales, Chair of Landscape Institute for

Wales; Council Member for Landscape Institute (UK)

Company

Secretary

and Project

Manager:

Michael Norman

Prior to taking on this role: Planned and managed initial restoration of

Hafod Estate; involvement in protection and conservation of historic

gardens in Wales; active campaigner for Penllergare

Community

and

Education

Coordinator:

Jennie Eyers, BA Cert. Ed.

Currently: Head of Community and Education. She was formerly a

consultant in educational training and development at the University

of Wales, Lampeter and in the business sector and currently works


full-time for the Penllergare Trust

Responsible for compiling Penllergare Echoes from Valley Woods,

an Anthology, 2006 on behalf of the Penllergare Trust

Formerly: Actor and teacher in speech and drama; actor and director

in theatre and television.

Source: www.penllergare.org

2.3.2 Woodlands Management and Volunteer Teams

The Better Woodlands for Wales grant has allowed the employment of three full time

workers responsible for undertaking management and improvement works on site,

under the supervision of the Project Manager. The Foreman, Dai Whitelock, has long

been associated with Penllergare and the project (both as a volunteer and employee)

and brings a wealth of expertise and sensitivity to the work. Most importantly, however,

all three members of the team are residents of the Communities First area and are

well known by and know local residents, including young people. The fall in cases of

vandalism and arson over the past two years, in large part, can be attributed to the fact

that these local men and other local volunteers are closely involved in the project and

because they keep a close eye on behaviour whilst on site.

Extra contractors are appointed from time to time to undertake additional works.

Where possible, these are drawn from the communities immediately surrounding

Penllergare.

A small number of volunteers are also actively involved in improvement works and

litter picking. During the consultations for this report, many visitors particularly

commented on the work of the Volunteer Warden, Keith Clements, who visits the site

daily and takes a keen interest in all visitors he encounters by engaging them in

conversation and handing out leaflets and Friends application forms. Other members

of the Trust also make themselves known to visitors and engage them in conversation:

a number of visitors also mentioned that they had met Michael Norman and Jennie

Eyers.

This close engagement with visitors is invaluable in encouraging a sense of welcome

and belonging; in providing information, which might otherwise be difficult to obtain; in

raising awareness of the regeneration project and its aims and in encouraging respect

and responsible behaviour.

http://www.penllergare.org/


As regards past efforts to engage more volunteers in woodlands management, the

lack of funding for trained supervision has thus far proved to be a significant constraint.

However, the People and Places grant will enable the development of the volunteer

programme (see 2.3.5 below). Nevertheless, the Trust estimates the contribution to

the project from volunteers at nearly £117,000 in the year ending March 2007.

2.3.3 Partnerships

The Trust has thus far established cooperative working relationships with the City and

County of Swansea, Forestry Commission Wales, Blaenymaes, Portmead, Penplas

Development Trust Limited (BPP) – of which the Trust is a member - and a number of

local primary school and secondary schools and with Gorseinon FE College. A

number of informal partnerships have also been established, most notably those with

the School of the Built and Natural Environment at Swansea Metropolitan University

and with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) – the Trust is an

affiliated member. Other organisations identified by the Trust as cooperative with the

project at Valley Woods are:

The Countryside Council for Wales

The National Trust (two senior officers are Trustees)

Environment Wales

Swansea Council for Voluntary Service

Swansea Environmental Education Forum (the Trust is a member)

Gorseinon Town Council

The Gower Society (the Trust is an affiliated member)

Local Community Councils

South Wales Police

Welsh Historic Gardens Trust

The Wildlife Trust South and West Wales

Swansea Community Farm

The potential to deepen existing and extend the range of formal and informal working

partnerships is acknowledged as essential to the future success of Valley Woods as a

community resource.

Certainly Penllergare is well located, surrounded as it is by a number of Development

Trust organisations. As well as BPP, Gorseinon (GDT) and Mawr Development Trusts

are immediately to the South West and North respectively and the opportunity exists to

work with these organisations to develop training, social enterprise and volunteering

initiatives in the future. Such initiatives will contribute to long-term economic and

environmental sustainability of Valley Woods, whilst at the same time contributing local

community benefits.

2.4 Community Engagement and Education Programme

Penllergare Valley Woods has sentimental significance for many adults living locally.

Some older residents have memories of the house itself and the last days of the

Llewelyn family in residence during the 1920s. Subsequent generations of adults and

children up to the present day have enjoyed the adventure and freedoms to swim,

camp, barbeque, play and walk in Valley Woods or ‘Cadle Woods’ as they are still

known by many locals. Many recognise their own good fortune in having a resource of

this significance and quality on their doorsteps.


This affection and appreciation is vividly illustrated within the pages of Echoes from

Valley Woods – An Anthology. Compiled and published by the Trust in 2006, this

book provides a collection of impressions spanning 200 years. From Llewelyn family

writings that highlight the history of Penllergare, through to reminiscences of local

people from the recent past (the outcomes of an ongoing oral history project), the book

conveys the interest that the site has held and still holds for local people. The following

extracts from a conversation with Dai Whitelock, site Foreman, in 2006 are typical:

It took us a while to find the Waterfall. We called it the „Hidden Waterfall‟ … we slid

down the bank and hoped a tree would stop our fall. The rhododendrons were so

thick it was like a jungle. There were no paths … All the people of my age knew

every single thing that lived up here in the woods. We knew every nest, every

shrew and water vole … We named Tirdonkin Colliery „Frog Mine‟ because there

were hundreds of them in every puddle … We loved Tirdonkin. We learned to

rock climb up there …

All the children learnt to swim in Lower Lake. There was so much silt coming

down the river that it made a sort of beach on every bend. You would find lots of

local families down there, every ten feet or so, all on their own private beach. They

had a fire going and a kettle boiling away on the top and they were there for the

day until it got dark. People came from Cadle, Portmead, Penlan as well as

Blaenymaes. It was our place – our park. … There were five weirs on the river

and the middle one was the deepest and was known as „the Kiddies‟. You had to

be able to swim to the island otherwise you stayed in the weir. You were really

grown up when you could swim to the island.

The importance of maintaining the ‘wild’ and natural character of the woods was

highlighted throughout the consultations undertaken this year and also during a

consultation exercise in 20064. Continuation of the sensitive programme of restoration

is something that visitors and consultees welcome, along with appropriate and

ongoing maintenance of paths, lakes, river and woodland. Current users also

appreciate free access and expect this to continue into the future. A number of local

people also set up overnight camps in Valley Woods and see this as their right.

In turn the Trust expect that people using the woods will enter into a bargain that if

Valley Woods is to be maintained as a safe and enjoyable place to visit then people

using it must help to make it so5. This statement alludes to the intention of the Trust to

involve a wide range of individuals, groups and schools in its volunteer programme

and to encourage visitors to respect Valley Woods and treat it with respect.

The Community Engagement and Education (C2E) programme was the first of the

Trust’s initiatives and has been running for nine years. The aims of the programme, as

stated by the Trust, are to provide an innovative and sustainable stewardship of a

shared cultural heritage by providing:

Informal recreation and enjoyment of the scenery, woodlands and wildlife,

particularly relevant for people lacking easy access to the countryside and

needing therapeutic exercise: where people feel safe and children can have

adventures

Interpretation and education for all ages and backgrounds on the history and

significance of Penllergare, its people, ecology, woodlands and setting

Opportunities for training, voluntary activities and employment

4 Stevens & Associates, Coed Nydfwch, Penllergare Valley Woods – A Community Consultation Exercise,

September 2006 5 Penllergare Trust, Draft Conservation Plan, 2008


Through managed diversity a positive contribution to the conservation of the

natural environment.

The components of the C2E programme thus far are as follows:

2.4.1 Local Schools Programme

Six local primary schools take part in the programme, Outdoor Learning at Penllergare

Valley Woods that are led by the Trust’s Community and Education Officer supported

by two volunteers. The on-site visits are known as Wild for Woods and are

interdisciplinary sessions including ecology, tree identification, environment and

heritage and suitable for KS2 and upwards. The on-site visits last for half a day.

Follow-on sessions, entitled Penllergare in View, take place in schools, focusing on the

history and science, where children receive a Round Robin Club newsletter

summarising their on-site visit.

This programme is supported by a resource pack and CD for teachers which has been

compiled by the Trust. Whilst including sections on natural history, the main focus of

the information is upon the site’s history and heritage values.

Schools involved in the Walk and Talk programme are invited to enter an annual Art

Competition, Picture Penllergare! sponsored by Forestry Commission Wales.

Competition winners have their pictures displayed on the Trust’s website.

Consultations with teachers highlighted the considerable value of this programme, the

professionalism of those involved and the evident enjoyment and learning outcomes

for the children. The programme is adapted to meet the needs of the curriculum. Up

until recently the Trust has been unable to extend the programme to further primary

schools owing to shortages of staff time and resources.

The Trust and schools also acknowledge that the education programme is

considerably hampered by the lack of a training room or base for school groups. Such

a facility would enable longer stays on site and wet weather study facilities, an indoor

picnic space and toilets along with teaching resources for primary and secondary

schools.

The Trust is included in a list of providers of outdoor education which is circulated to

schools: Using Sites for Studying the Natural Environment in and Around Swansea –

Mar 2007.

2.4.2 Community Events

Public guided ‘introductory’ walks with commentary are run by the Trust three times a

year. These are advertised in the South Wales Evening Post, locally on posters and

on the Trust website. These walks can attract up to eighty people. Additional separate

walks are organised for the Friends of Penllergare. Events are also promoted through

Swansea Educational Education Forum’s (SEEF) Environmental Events, 2008.

A ‘Walkers Walk’, guided but without commentary, takes place twice a year.

Guided walks and rambles are also arranged at the request of local groups.

A number of additional accompanied walks have in the recent past been organised

under the following themes: Woodland Trees, Photogenic Footsteps, Future Plans

and Wildlife.

In total some 1,500 people have to date taken part in the walks programme.


A number of talks are given to local groups and organisations - over 150 to date.

All of these activities serve to raise the profile of Valley Woods and the work of the

Trust. At each event those taking part are encouraged to make comments and

suggestions.

Donations to the Trust are requested or small charges imposed at each event.

2.4.3 Penllergare Valley Woods Forum

Aside from the ongoing informal on-site consultations that take place with site users

and the more formal consultation exercise undertaken in 2006, the Trust established

the Penllergare Valley Woods Forum in April 2007, the aims of which are to:

1. Represent the interests of the users of Penllergare Valley Woods

2. Act as primary consultee for the Penllergare Trust on the planning and

management of Valley Woods for the benefit of the public

3. Contribute local knowledge and specialist skills

The Forum is administered by a Convenor; meetings take place at least four times a

year and two representatives of the Trust usually attend. The Trust has complimented

the Forum for its useful contributions and following the pilot year, 2007-8, has

confirmed that the Forum will continue for at least a further two years.

Forum members were selected to represent a variety of interests and currently

comprise the following:

Nine local enthusiasts most with specialist knowledge (building, natural

sciences) and skills and living in the following local communities: Gorseinion.

Brynhyfryd, Morriston, Portmead and Parc Penllergaer

Young mother with primary age children living in Penllergaer village

Head teacher of local primary school

Penllergaer Community Councillor

Lecturers within the Department for Built and Natural Environment at

Swansea Metropolitan University

Youth Leader

Local PCSO South Wales Police

Member of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust

2.4.4 The Friends of Penllergare Valley Woods

In October 2007, the Penllergare Trust invited people who had shown interest in

Valley Woods to join a newly formed Friends organisation in support of the Trust’s

restoration of the site and to contribute the following:

Help to raise funds and promote the Trust’s aims

Represent the community at the heart of the project

Enable people living away to keep in touch and feel involved

Have a say at Board level, through a nominated representative, in the work

of the Trust


Membership currently stands at nearly 200 (c 300 individuals) and Friends are kept

informed of the project’s progress via Pen Friends (their quarterly newsletter) and

Project News (also quarterly). The Trust also organises a series of evening talks

around the theme of historic gardens and the work of the Trust; along with a number of

events including a picnic, a walk and a celebration at the Grand Theatre, Swansea.

As yet the Friends have not taken an active role in fundraising or organising events.

However, the Trust acknowledge that this will take time as confidence builds and as

more people with the time and skills are recruited to be Friends.

2.4.5 Community Engagement and Education – Future Plans

With the award of the People and Places grant, the Trust is currently embarking on a

programme to develop its educational, training and outreach work. With a focus

primarily upon the local population living within 5 km of the site, it has identified a

number of sectors that it sees as underrepresented in the visitor profile6:

Primary, and secondary education sectors and to some extent the tertiary

sector. Consultations with teachers and lecturers reveal the potential to use

Valley Woods for a wide range of educational and volunteering

opportunities for all three levels of education.

Teenagers living locally aged 13 – 18 years who have been identified

through local consultations as in most need of positive diversionary

activities to steer them away from antisocial behaviour. Using Penllergare

Valley Woods for challenging outdoor activities, skills training and work

experience are seen as some ways of addressing this need.

The ‘cotton wool’ generation – the benefits of free form adventure for young

people – particularly those aged between 11 and 18 - is becoming

increasingly well recognised. This sits within the context of current

headlines on risk-taking, debates on Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)

and concerns about poor mental health and obesity.

Adults seeking quiet enjoyment of scenery and wildlife, particularly single

females and young families

People with disabilities or in need of therapeutic exercise

Ethnic minorities

In order to increase access by these groups the Trust has a number of programme

aims:

Appoint four members of staff: (a) Project Manager and Administrator to

implement the Conservation Plan and line manage the C2E programme (b)

Coordinator responsible for volunteer management and training, for on site

facilities and interpretation (c) Head of Community and Education, for

community outreach, publications and website, research and archives and

(d) Whole Life Education Coordinator to support the Head of Community

and Education.

Learning and Social Inclusion: To improve current provision for children

and young people. The Trust aims to include 80% of primary schools within

the 5km catchment and two secondary schools7. It also intends to include

children and young people in extra curricular programmes and to include

6 Penllergare Trust – Big Lottery Fund People and Places grant application, November 2007

7 Within 15 minutes drive of Penllergare, there are, in fact, at least 15 secondary schools and two sixth

form colleges that could all potentially be involved in the outreach programme.


older people, those with learning difficulties or other disabilities and ethnic

minorities in life long learning programmes.

The Trust also aims to offer training and work experience programmes to

increase employability and to involve a wide range of volunteers, including

those from under-represented groups, in regeneration projects. Volunteers

will contribute the following functions:

o Ecological, landscape and visitor surveys

o Conservation – vegetation clearance and habitat enhancement

o Horticulture (in the restored kitchen gardens, for example)

o Wardening – monitoring the condition of paths and structures and

deterring vandalism and other forms of anti-social behaviour

o Site maintenance

o Interpretation projects and visitor guiding

o Management and administration

The Trust has set targets for the end of the third year of the C2E

programme (2012) under this aspect as follows:

o Upwards of 2,000 children in years 5/6 will have enhanced

understanding, enjoyment and empathy with Valley Woods by

fostering their powers of imagination, observation and

communication in the outdoor environment.

o About 250 people aged 15 upwards will achieve OCN accreditation

in conservation skills engendering increased confidence, self worth

and a sense of achievement in making a practical contribution to

caring for the environment.

Develop specialist interest activities: An angling club has been identified

as a priority with identified benefits seen as a means of engaging with

young people and adults to take stewardship and ‘ownership’ and ensure

sustainable future management of the lakes and river.

Focus on Health and Well-being: by providing a more attractive, safe and

accessible woodland and open space setting for a range of people to visit

and enjoy the therapeutic and spiritual benefits. As well as those seeking

fitness and challenging activities in a healthy environment, this could include

those with diminished mobility (the elderly and infirm and people with

physical disabilities) and those recovering from physical or mental illness.

The Trust has set targets for the end of the third year of the C2E

programme (2012) under this aspect as follows:

o About 500 people aged 11 and upwards will have gained

confidence, self esteem, self-reliance understanding and respect

for Valley Woods through teamwork in hitherto unfamiliar

circumstances

o About 400 people will have benefited through a social recreation

programme from shared enjoyment of scenery and wildlife, thereby

improving their spiritual and physical fitness

Environment: The Trust aims to promote the cultural importance of

Penllergare and to restore, regenerate and make the site more accessible,

largely through voluntary action. A further aim to protect and enhance


biodiversity particularly in the context of increasing concerns about climate

change is also at the heart of future plans. The Trust has set targets for the

end of the third year of the C2E programme (2012) under this aspect as

follows:

o Upwards of 100 volunteers will gain practical skills and experience,

confidence and enjoyment, working with like-minded people to

conserve their Valley Woods for the benefit of the environment and

local community

Woodlands Centre: Currently the Trust has no centre as focus for the

schools programme or for staff, trainees and volunteers. It, therefore, plans

to acquire, refurbish and adapt an existing building for this purpose. This

building would also act as a venue for community meetings and as a basic

facility for visitors.

Green Flag: It is anticipated that by the end of the third year of the C2E

programme that health, safety and security standards will be at a level

equivalent to those required by the Green Flag scheme.

2.5 Information and Interpretation

The absence of an on-site centre is a considerable limitation. Consultations revealed

that many visitors would welcome a centre for the presentation of the cultural and

environmental values of the site. This would act as an information hub for exploration

of the large site. The Penllergare Trust aspires to locating such a visitor centre near a

main entrance, to the north of the site. This would provide visitor facilities including a

café and shop along with exhibitory, educational facilities and other interpretative

materials.

In addition to the information and interpretation already highlighted in the previous

section, the Trust has been working in a number of areas to increase visitor access to

the history and to raise awareness of the significance of the site (see 1.4.1 and 1.4.2

below).

The Trust has stated its intention to consider techniques including GPS for on-site

interpretation. However, their current policy is to keep the site clear of on-site

interpretation boards or panels and information other than that necessary for safety

and way marking. This is seen as appropriate to maintain the wild and unspoilt

character of Valley Woods. The consultations showed that some current users and

other consultees favour the location of discrete interpretive boards at key locations and

viewpoints. However, for others the potential for vandalism and need for maintenance

provide sufficient reason to suggest that the Trust focus on other forms of

interpretation.

2.5.1 Visitor Leaflets

Two leaflets are currently circulated by the Trust:

A Penllergare – A Secret and Magical Place is a bilingual (English/Welsh) leaflet

presenting a short history of the site, the present situation and the Trust’s aims for

the future. Sponsored by Admiral Insurance, it includes a map and a series of

photographs highlighting the Trust’s Community and Education programme.

B Penllergare Valley Woods – Walks presents a simple map of main walking

routes, key features, entrances and directions to the site by road and bus.

Coloured lines that match the on-site waymarkers indicate the walking routes on

this map. This leaflet is available in English only and was sponsored by Cydcoed.

The leaflet and map are updated as appropriate to incorporate new walking


routes. The maps included in the leaflet are also positioned at each of the four

main entrances to the site.

During consultations for this project current users commended this leaflet.

However, consultees involved in promoting outdoor exercise to the physically

unfit and disabled made suggestions for improvements involving the range of

information, choice of colours and size of print in order to make it more useful and

readable for all. It would be advisable for future editions of the map to be

developed in consultation with disability groups or to consult with the Disability

Forum. Suggestions were also made for all leaflets to be bilingual English/Welsh.

Volunteers and members of the Trust currently distribute the walks and information

leaflets in an informal, ad hoc manner to selected local organisations, to visitors and at

off-site locations and events.

In addition, Penllergare features in a recent publication funded by Cydcoed,

Discovering Woodlands on your Doorstep, 2008, which promotes a further 30

woodlands around Swansea.

2.5.2 www.Penllergare.org

The Trust’s website, is a useful resource and appreciated by its users. As well as

introducing the Trust and its function, the website includes an outline of the

regeneration and restoration project (which is also presented in more detail on a

separate blog site: www.penllergare.blogspot.com). Other information includes

historical background, information about the archive held by the Trust, what’s on

information (walks, talks, meetings etc), information on the schools programme,

photographs including ‘Mr Dilwyn Llewellyn’s Family Album’ and information on how

people can help through volunteering, joining the Friends, donating funds and sharing

memories associated with the site. A news bulletin is included along with information

on how to access Valley Woods by car. There is an opportunity to provide public

transport information here in future. The walks leaflet and Friends application form are


http://www.penllergare.blogspot.com/


available to be downloaded along with order information for Echoes from Valley

Woods.

Between July 2007 and June 2008 (inclusive) there were 13,725 visits to the site: an

average of 1,144 per month, ranging from the highest level of 1,824 in July to the

lowest of 895 in December. Daily averages range from 58 in July to 28 in December.

So far the website is available in English only. The Trust needs to consider its policy

on use of the Welsh language in order to meet the Welsh Assembly’s strategic aims

and to acknowledge the significant population of Welsh language users living in

neighbouring communities (see Table 3.2). Although a fully bilingual site could be a

long-term aim, a number of Welsh pages or documents could be available in the short-

term.

2.6 Identity, Marketing and Promotion

The underlying brand values, identity and sense of place are encapsulated in the

Trust’s various publications and aims and broadly encompass the following:

An historic designed romantic and picturesque park and gardens; a listed Grade II

landscape

The significant history of horticulture, science and photography

A project of restoration and renewal

Diversity of habitats and associated flora and fauna

A project for the community and involving the community, particularly children and

young people

A green space for north Swansea

These values are currently reflected in a style of presentation devised by the Trust,

which as yet does not include a well-recognised badge or logo. Given its focus upon

young people the current style of presentation is in need of consideration and review.

So far marketing to the general public has been undertaken in a low-key manner as

indicated in the foregoing through the distribution of leaflets; the programme of walks

and talks and the education programme. In addition the Trust has from time to time

featured in news items and articles in the South Wales Evening Post and particularly

for the visits of the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan in 2007 and Tamsin Dunwoody in

2006 (then Minister for Environment and Woodlands).

This low-key approach and the impact of word of mouth recommendation has over the

past two years led to increasing awareness of Valley Woods and of the regeneration

project. Local consultations reveal, however that there are still many living within the

surrounding communities who are either unaware of the site or who perceive it to be

an inaccessible or unsafe place.

2.7 Physical Access

At present there are no signs directing

visitors to Valley Woods from surrounding

roads and the site is somewhat hidden

from view.


2.7.1 Public Entrances

The Trust has identified five entrances for public access to Valley Woods, indicated

by red arrows on the map below. In

addition, there is a gateway for

pedestrian and site vehicle access

located adjacent to Lower Lodge (picture

above), which gives direct access to the

Carriage Drive. However, the Trust aims

to divert visitors from this entrance to the

Cadle Croft entrance at the low arched

bridge to the south of Lower Lodge in

order to avoid large numbers of people

passing Lower Lodge (picture right) and

causing disturbance to the residents8.

Walkers are able to join the Carriage Drive from this alternative route about 100m

north of Lower Lodge.

8 Lower Lodge is used as a sheltered housing scheme. The disabled occupants require seclusion, peace

and quiet and are sometimes subject to challenging behaviour.


Improvements have been carried out at all

main entrances by the Trust over the past

year. All are now clearly marked with maps of

the site, adjacent boundary fencing and

kissing gates. These improvements have

increased awareness leading to more visits

(anecdotal evidence) and offer a sense of

welcome. The gates are wide enough for

access by wheelchair but in four cases are

not yet fully wheelchair accessible owing to

slope gradients and/or steps. Swansea City

and County have installed bins for the

disposal of dog waste at gateways.

Vehicle parking is available at three of

the gateways. The main car park is

located at the Civic Centre (picture left)

to the extreme northwest of the site.

The occupants of the offices, Swansea

City and County, have come to an

informal arrangement with the Trust to

allow parking for visitors if spaces are

available during weekdays. Some 350

staff have recently been relocated to the

offices whilst the Guildhall is

refurbished. Weekend parking at this

location is easier and considered by

users to be safe.

At Midway to the north, there is a large lay-by currently used by many visitors to the

site (see picture below). Many using this entrance express concern for the safety of

their vehicles. (Interestingly, many of these visitors are unaware of the Civic Centre car

park and visitor gateway.) Visitors also park in the wide road verges at Cadle Mill

entrance. The recent removal of large concrete bollards by the Trust has allowed more

space for parking at this location.

However, some visitors mention that

they feel that this is an unsafe area

and have called for a safe car park at

this end of the site.

This issue of car parking presents a

challenge for the Trust, especially

given the growing interest in Valley

Woods and increasing visitor demand.

Suggestions have been made for a

new car parking area with access from

the drive leading to the Civic Centre. This has the advantage of a location near to

junction 47 of the M4 motorway. Set within the woods at the extreme north west of the

site an entrance and car park at this location would present an appropriate sense of

arrival for the main gateway to Valley Woods whilst maintaining proximity to the

intended location for a visitor hub or centre, especially if located near to the main

visitor centre.


The other main entrance from the west is from the Parc Penllergaer residential area

via the gully at Home Farm Way although residents also gain access via informal

entrances at the Walled Garden. Access on foot from Penllergaer Village is more

challenging as it involves crossing the busy A483 to access the Midway or Civic

Centre entrances. A new route to overcome this problem was proposed from

Swansea Road, Penllergaer to a planned footpath alongside the A483, northwards to

the traffic light crossing at Parc Penllergaer and through the estate via Home Farm

Way to Valley Woods. It remains to be seen whether this route is instated.

From the east, several footpaths connect Penplas Road / Bardsey Avenue,

Blaenymaes to the southern end of Valley Woods just below lower lake. This entrance

is preferred to the Cadle entrance by residents of Blaenymaes as it is closer to the

main sites of interest (‘Kiddies’ pool, the Lower Lake and Waterfall).

In the past the lack of fencing in the eastern perimeter has led to ingress by

unauthorised vehicles (quad bikes and motorcycles). Although this problem has been

addressed through the efforts of the Trust and the Police working in partnership, the

presence of motorcycles persists to an extent, particularly on Sunday afternoons

(according to site users), causing disturbance and safety concerns. The Coed

Nydfwch Masterplan9

recommends sealing off the entrances to the east of the site.

However, the Trust, have responded to the needs of local residents for an entrance at

this location and are planning to work on the perimeter fencing to restrict access for

motor vehicles.

In order to ensure safe walking routes to the site, the Trust could work with the Road

Safety Team at the City and County of Swansea.

2.7.2 Public Transport

Most people arrive at Penllergare by car or on foot and a few also access the site by

cycle. During the consultations in 2006 and in 2008, there was no evidence of anyone

arriving by public transport. Whilst the Trust walks leaflet displays information about

how to access the site by public transport, this leaflet is not widely available and

usually distributed to visitors once on site. Further, although the walks leaflet is

available to download from the website, other directions currently given on the website

are for car access only.

In order to promote sustainable forms of transport to Valley Woods, it is important that

potential visitors can easily obtain public transport information prior to their visit. In this

way people without motor vehicles and living at distances considered too far to walk

will be encouraged to visit. The need for clear information is particularly important

since, in the words of a transport specialist who was consulted during the preparation

of this report, this part of Penllergaer is one of the most difficult areas to access by bus

in Swansea.

Appendix 5 contains information on the services currently running to bus stops within

walking distance of Penllergare. To source this information is difficult and time

consuming. Many of the services do not operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays and

full information on bus stops are not available on printed or website timetables.

From Swansea Quadrant Bus Station a number of services (X13, X14 and X15)

run northwards along the A48310.

Although timetable information shows the two

main bus stops as Fforestfach Tesco and Penllergaer roundabout with the A48,

the X13 and X14 also stop at Parc Penllergaer. Only one of these services, the

9 Anthony Jellard Associates, Penllergare – Coed Nydfwch Masterplan, February 2007


X13, runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays (every two hours). The time taken

between Swansea Quadrant bus station and Fforestfach Tesco is 21 minutes.

Two services (25 and 43) run from the City Centre to Blaenymaes to the stop at

the junction of Woodford Road and Pentregethin Road, within walking distance of

Cadle Mill. This is a particularly useful service to promote to people living in

Penlan, Portmead and Blaenymaes. These two services do not run on Bank

Holidays. The time taken from Swansea Quadrant bus station to Woodford Road

is 18 minutes (25 bus) or 33 minutes (43 bus).

The 141 Gorseinon to Swansea (via Morriston) service runs hourly on Monday to

Saturday (not Sundays or Bank Holidays) and stops at St David’s Church,

Penllergaer, Penllergaer A48 roundabout, Penllergaer Civic Offices and Midway

Café (by request). From Gorseinon bus station to the Civic Offices takes 13

minutes and from Swansea Quadrant bus station it takes 50 minutes.

The Trust has the opportunity to open dialogue with bus operators to promote and

improve these services for the benefit of visitors and to market the site for sustainable

access. For example, visitors could be encouraged to access the southern end of the

site by bus, walk through the site to the north and return home via a bus service from

the north.

2.7.3 Footpaths and Tracks

Information on physical access to the site is included within the Conservation

Management Plan, but comments emerging from consultations for this report include

the following:

The barrier at Sapper Bridge restricts access to less agile walkers and walkers

with pushchairs.

New footbridges are too narrow for access by pushchair/wheelchair and for some

dogs.

The condition of paths in wet weather is of concern to some along with badly

churned surfaces in some areas. In order to encourage the physically unfit to visit

the site, paths must be upgraded.

The Trust intends to upgrade 2km of the existing 6km of paths to make them

accessible to all. This is welcome and would be appreciated by the less mobile

including disabled users. Guidelines available from organisations like the Fieldfare

Trust11

could inform these upgrades. The Trust could establish contact with the

Access Association12

and work closely with local disability organisations.

The Trust has stated an intention to improve on-site way marking giving route

distances. Other suggestions from the consultations include providing information

on direction and range of difficulty of route, supported by information.

Users suggested seating using on-site materials located throughout the site;

particularly at viewpoints and on steep paths.

Picnic areas were a popular option.

Shelters made from natural materials like willow were suggested.

Accessible paths and lake platforms were suggested to allow fishing for the

disabled.

The restoration of the bridge by the waterfall would be a welcome improvement.

11

http://www.fieldfare.org.uk/ . See BT Countryside for All – A good practice guide to disabled people’s

access to the Countryside 12

http://www.access-association.org.uk/

http://www.fieldfare.org.uk/

http://www.access-association.org.uk/


Occasional access for disabled users by vehicle could be allowed. Radar locks on

key access points might be considered.

A dedicated cycle path or circuit could be developed.

2.8 Current Levels of Visitor Access

Anecdotal evidence from the workforce and regular users of the site suggests that

visitor numbers have increased as paths have been opened. However, there is so far

no statistical information as to the current level of visitor use of Valley Woods and no

full-scale visitor survey or count has been undertaken.

It is important that systems are put in place to carry out visitor counts and surveys on a

fairly regular basis in future in order to monitor trends, gather opinion from visitors on

satisfaction and ideas for improvement and institute management practices to

ameliorate the impacts of visitor use.

During the course of the consultations for this plan, some 25 semi-structured on site

visitor interviews took place along with visitor counts over five days in April and May

2008. Whilst by no means a comprehensive or statistically reliable analysis of visitor

numbers and characteristics, it, nonetheless, provides some useful information (see

Appendix 2).

This complements the self-completion survey of 82 users and non-users undertaken

in 2006 as part of the programme of consultations undertaken to inform the

development of the Management Plan for Coed Nydfwch13

. Since this survey was

undertaken, significant access improvements have been effected including many of

the recommendations made by consultees and survey respondents.

In addition, a postal survey of 55 members of the Friends of Valley Woods was

undertaken in May 2008 (see Appendix 3).

The outcomes of these three exercises plus information gleaned by anecdote and

consultations lead to the following observations about the volume, behaviour and

characteristics of current visitors to Valley Woods:

Most respondents to the visitor survey are living in the neighbouring estates of

Parc Penllergaer, Penllergaer, Portmead, Blaenymaes and Fforestfach.

Whilst local visitors form the majority, there is some evidence that the site is

attracting tourist visits from further afield, stimulated by interest in the historical

significance of the site and its regeneration.

Respondents to the 2008 visitor survey were split between those visiting

alone and those accompanied by others: mostly within family groups

comprising children aged under 16 years. This might well be explained by the

fact that most of the interviews took place during fine weather over the early

May bank holiday weekend. Couples and groups of friends were also in

evidence.

By far the highest number of respondents was aged between 25 and 34

years although the age range was very wide overall. Groups of young people

and families were observed enjoying the waterfall and barbequing during the

survey period. These are activities traditionally enjoyed by local communities.

Most visitors are currently from white European backgrounds, reflecting the

composition of the neighbouring communities. However, two survey

respondents were from minority ethnic groups: one Chinese and one African.

The Trust aims to increase the ethnic diversity of visitors to the site,

13

Stevens & Associates, 2006


particularly given the recent introduction of refugee families into the Penderry

ward to the south of Valley Woods.

During the survey and site observation, no people with obvious limiting

disabilities were encountered. It is the intention of the Trust to increase access

opportunities to encourage all sectors of the community including people with

physical, mental and sensory disabilities.

Most visitors originally became aware of the site because they live locally.

This is also the case for respondents to the Friends survey although word of

mouth, Trust activities and the media were also cited as important.

The most popular means of arrival at the site is via motor vehicle to the car

parks situated to the north at Midway Café and Swansea City and County

Offices, although relatively high numbers of local people arrive on foot

particularly from Parc Penllergaer in the North West and Portmead and

Blaenymaes via the Cadle and Bardsey Avenue approaches to the south.

Most survey respondents claim to use the site throughout the year with

summer and spring being the favourite seasons overall. Whilst some visit

daily or even twice a day – locally resident dog walkers in the main – the most

usual frequency for visiting is twice or three times a week with weekends

being the most popular days. Afternoons are the most popular time of day.

These findings support the observations of the on site workforce and

volunteers.

Visitor counts undertaken during survey periods confirm the popularity of

weekends and the relatively few visitors to the site during weekday mornings.

Anecdotal evidence also confirms that weekdays during the autumn, winter

and spring are relatively quiet, and that bank holidays and school holidays

bring more weekday visits. Also when the Council offices were occupied by

Neath Port Talbot Council staff, the number of weekday – lunchtime – visitors

was higher than at present. The advent of 350 City and County of Swansea

staff will certainly impact upon weekday visitor numbers, especially since an

Exercise in the Workplace scheme will be organised for the benefit of staff by

the Council’s physical activity team.

Table 2.1: Visitor Surveys achieved and visitor counts

Date

Number of

interviews

achieved

Number of

visitors counted

Time interviewer

on site

Thursday 10.4.08 1 2 10 – 11.30am

Friday 11.4.08 1 3 10 – 11.30am

Saturday 12.4.08 6 21 2.30 – 4pm

Saturday 3.5.08 6 31 1.15 – 3.45pm

Bank Holiday Monday 5.5.08 11 61 1.15-4.30pm

In 2006, anecdotal evidence suggested that a dozen people on average

visited on Saturday and Sunday and that on weekdays it is frequently the

case that no other people are encountered … .14

Clearly, the evidence in this

table shows a trend towards increasing visitor use, given that on a Saturday in

April 2008 some 20 visitors were seen during a period of only one and a half

hours.

Taking the evidence from anecdote, the visitor survey and observation, it is

reasonable to estimate that Valley Woods currently receives something

between 16,000 and 20,000 visits per year (see Appendix 2, Estimated Visitor

Counts).

14



Most people interviewed in 2008 spent between one and three hours on site,

the majority of them staying between one and two hours.

Camping is a popular activity during the spring and summer amongst a small

number of local people living in the Blaenymaes, Portmead area. During the

survey the occupiers of one encampment located to the south of Spring

Woods were interviewed. They camped on site for two days and nights.

Another popular site for camping is located next to the river in the lower

section. Whilst the Trust is keen not to encourage this type of activity (setting

camps and lighting camp fires) to ban them completely would damage

harmonious relationships with local communities. Forest School and

Swansea Youth Service have also stated an interest in setting camps in

Valley Woods. Clearly, there is a need to ensure that these activities are

controlled and properly supervised.

Fishing has been a popular activity for all age groups including children,

although poor fish stocks in the two lakes recently are a matter of concern for

some.

A number of cyclists were encountered during the survey and the site has

appeal for mountain bikers. However, the Trust is wary of encouraging cycling

owing to maintenance implications for footpaths and off road areas of the

woods. Whilst the stated intention of the Trust is to encourage on site access

by foot and to discourage cycling, this is somewhat at odds with the principle

of encouraging sustainable forms of access to the site, including by cycle15

.

When asked why they visit the site, the most popular response to the 2008

visitor survey was to walk the dog (16 of 25 respondents), followed by relax –

peace and quiet (9 respondents); exercise (8); observe wildlife (8) and look at

plants and enjoy the scenery (7). These were also identified as the most

popular responses to the 2006 survey. The Friends survey results also

identified similar reasons with walking given as by far the most popular.

Respondents frequently praised the new paths; particularly the riverside

walks, circular routes and Bluebell Woods.

Respondents to the visitor and Friends surveys (2008) identified the waterfall

as their favourite area along with the river/river walks and the lower lake area.

Interestingly, although mentioned by some in the 2006 survey, the riverside

appears to be more popular in 2008 owing to path improvements undertaken

over the past two years.

When asked to identify their least favourite areas, a high number of

respondents to both 2008 surveys said that they could not identify one; that

they like the whole site. However, some mentioned the remaining dumped

cars on the east side, the Cadle Mill entrance which is considered to be

unsightly and the far north of the upper valley (see Appendix 3).

A relatively high number of respondents to both surveys said that nothing puts

them off visiting Valley Woods. However, for some, motorbikes are a

disturbance and danger that they particularly dislike. Many also acknowledge,

however, that this threat has been significantly reduced through the vigilance

of the Trust and the Police working in partnership over recent years.

Respondents also acknowledge that the removal of abandoned cars from the

most accessible areas has increased their feelings of safety.

As numbers of visitors increase, the need to clean and maintain the site

increases. Some respondents were concerned that good standards of care

should continue.

15

Penllergare Trust, 2008


However, fear of being on site alone was mentioned by some female

respondents who prefer to visit accompanied by others – “you never know

who‟s around”. A few also mentioned a fear of youngsters and vandalism.

However, these fears are almost totally unfounded. To date the Trust and

Police have promptly and effectively dealt with the very few and infrequent

incidents that have threatened personal safety. Nevertheless, incidents of

petty vandalism and arson persist, although less prevalent than previously,

and present a constant challenge to management.


Chapter

3

Context and Background

3.1 Policy and Strategy Context

The Penllergare Trust encourages access to the site particularly for those living in the

immediately surrounding communities and also aims to promote Valley Woods as a

potential, all season tourist attraction16

. It is important that the development of

Penllergare is consistent and compliant with national and regional and environmental,

social, cultural strategies along with the strategies adopted by the local authority. This

section highlights the main strategic framework in which the regeneration and

restoration of Valley Woods is taking place.

In Wales: A Better Country17

the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) presents its

vision for a sustainable future and identifies a number of positive changes, amongst

which are some that are particularly relevant for Penllergare:

Promote a diverse, competitive, high added-value economy, with high quality

skills and education

Action on social justice that tackles poverty and poor health and provides

people and their communities with the means to help themselves and break

out of the poverty trap

Action in our built and natural environment that enhances pride in the

community, supports bio-diversity, promotes local employment …

Strengthening Wales’ cultural identity

Supporting people to live healthy lives

People, Places, Futures - The Wales Spatial Plan, 2004 contains a commitment to

enhance the natural and built environments to build sustainable tourism. Respect for

regional distinctiveness and strengthening the sense of place in local areas is also

given emphasis. The Plan’s vision for the Swansea Bay region is for:

An area of planned sustainable growth and environmental improvement, realising

its potential, supported by integrated transport within the area and externally and

spreading prosperity to support the revitalisation of West Wales.

Key priorities for achieving this vision include tourism, competitive skills, knowledge

economy and economic activity. Penllergare has the potential to contribute positively

to each of these priorities especially since one of the main outcomes from the recent

consultation process (January to April 2008) for Swansea was an expectation for the

Third sector to deliver projects. The Spatial Plan update (2008) further stated an

16

Penllergare Trust, Penllergare Woods Draft Conservation Plan, 2008 17

Welsh Assembly Government, Wales a Better Country – The Strategic Agenda of the Welsh Assembly

Government, 2003


intention to support the work of organisations to help tackle degraded urban

environments and to improve the quality of public spaces18

.

Central to the approach towards strong and sustainable economic growth in Wales as

outlined in Wales: A Vibrant Economy is the need to ensure that programmes and

policies support sustainable development. This is achieved by integrating

consideration of the social and environmental impacts of policies with traditional

economic analysis and pursuing approaches that play to the strengths of the

environment, culture, language and people of Wales. The priorities include:

Increase employment by supporting job creation and helping individuals to

tackle barriers to work.

Invest to regenerate deprived communities and stimulate economic growth

across Wales

Ensure that all economic programmes and policies support sustainable

development, in particular by encouraging clean energy generation and

resource efficiency.

The Learning Country19

sets out the strategy for promoting life-long learning in Wales

to ensure that everyone can benefit from learning throughout life and no one lacks

basic employment and life skills. This document laid down the principles for updating

the national curriculum:

Every encouragement must be given to ensure that academic, technical and

vocational learning pathways have parity of esteem to boost the options available

to individuals and enhance people's capacity to become adaptable and

employable in the face of national and international technological change.

The Environment Strategy for Wales20

has as its main aim that by 2026, we want to

see our distinctive Welsh environment thriving and contributing to the economic and

social wellbeing and health of all of the people of Wales. The strategy recognises the

close links between economy and environment and the role that an attractive and

healthy environment has in attracting people to live and work in Wales. The

importance of environmental quality to health and well-being agendas is further

acknowledged along with the contribution to community identity: Our landscape must

provide real places for people to live, work and enjoy recreation. One of the key

challenges is the loss of landscape of heritage quality and distinctiveness.

Woodlands for Wales sets out WAG’s strategy for trees and woodlands in Wales for

the next 50 years. The vision is that Wales will be known for its high quality woodlands

that enhance the landscape, are appropriate to local conditions and have a diverse

mixture of species and habitats to provide real social and community benefits; support

thriving woodland-based industries and contribute to a better quality environment

throughout Wales. Of particular relevance are two of the strategy’s key objectives:

Woodlands for People – to provide environmental and social benefits to local

communities, supporting opportunities for learning and contributing to local

sustainability. Priorities for action are to use woodlands as a an asset for

some of our most disadvantaged communities; maximise the use of

woodlands for learning and provide opportunities for communities to have

their say in the management of woods close to where they live.

Tourism, Recreation and Health – the use of woodlands for exercise and

enjoyment and the beneficial impacts on emotional and physical health are

18

DTZ for Welsh Assembly Government, People, Places, Futures, The Wales Spatial Plan – 2008 Update

Report on Consultation, May 2008 19

WAG, The Learning Country, A Paving Document 20

WAG, The Environment Strategy for Wales, 2006


highlighted. Priorities for action are to help create a high quality visitor

experience and to promote health through community access to woodlands.

In its Action Plan for the Countryside Experience (2004), the former Wales Tourist

Board identified four cross cutting themes, essential to the creation of successful rural

destinations. “These are: ensuring rural regeneration and sustainable development

benefits, building on the quality of existing provision rather than necessarily providing

new facilities or activity … and the need to use local Welsh culture in its widest sense

to build sense of place.”

Climbing Higher, the Welsh Assembly Government‟s Strategy for Sport and Physical

Activity 2005, aims to maximise the contribution that sport and physical activity

contribute to wellbeing. The strategy recognises that people in poorer communities are

less likely to participate in sport and physical activity leading to higher levels of chronic

heart disease and disability. For this reason, the focus in the strategy is upon the

communities that are most in need. A number of targets are set; some of them highly

relevant to Penllergare:

All public sector employees to have access to physical activity facilities within

a 10 minute walk of the workplace

The percentage of people in Wales using the Welsh natural environment for

outdoor activities to increase from 36% to 60%

The Strategy acknowledges the importance of walking and cycling as a means to

achieving health and also that participation gaps exist related to gender, age, disability,

ethnicity and deprivation. The aim is to address these gaps and barriers.

The Countryside Council for Wales recommends in its Accessible Natural Greenspace

Standards for 2ha of accessible greenspace per 1,000 population and has devised a

system of tiers for sites of different sizes:

No person should live more than 300m from their nearest area of natural

greenspace

There should be at least one accessible 20ha site within 2km from home

There should be one accessible 100ha site within 5km

There should be one accessible 500ha site within 10km

In striving to meet these standards, 12 local authorities in South Wales including

Swansea City and County are driving forward the vision for The Valleys Regional

Park, which would stretch, from Carmarthenshire in the West to Monmouthshire in the

East. This would be:

A high quality sustainable network of greenspace offering outstanding recreational

opportunities which will change the image and perception of the Valleys for ever,

improve the quality of life, health and well being for local people, generate pride in

their area, create an environment that stimulates inward investment and becomes

an attractive destination for visitors21

.

Underlying this vision is an understanding that access to informal countryside

recreation is integral to the well being of every citizen. The natural environment is,

therefore, seen as supporting the sustainable development and prosperity of South

Wales. Penllergare Valley Woods has been identified by Swansea as an important

project to take forward as part of the proposals for development of the Valleys

Regional Park.

21

VRP Framework, Working Draft, July 2007


Swansea‟s Community Strategy Update, 200722

, identifies that to become a distinctive

European City, Swansea must - along other priorities - value its culture and heritage.

Other priority areas are older people, children and young people, the health, social

care and wellbeing strategy and the learning policy and strategy. Under the

environment main theme the strategic partners aim to protect, enhance and promote

the natural environment for social and environmental wellbeing and to provide

Swansea’s citizens with nearby leisure facilities and clean air.

The Community Regeneration Framework for the City and County of Swansea, This is

Where we Live, 2002 outlines a number of commitments, which are relevant to

Penllergare, surrounded as it is by Communities First and Development Trust areas.

Swansea City and County will:

Recognise the work that volunteers do to improve their communities

Work with recognised community organisations and networks

Work in partnership with other local service providers

Wide-ranging national and regional programmes and policies support the growth of

sustainable tourism within Wales. The Mid Term Review of the Tourism Strategy for

Wales, Achieving our Potential 2006-2013 gives as its vision for 2013:

A Customer Responsive, Innovative, Sustainable and Profitable industry which

makes an increasing contribution to the economic, social, cultural and

environmental well being of Wales

Planning Policy Wales (2002) also acknowledges that tourism acts as a catalyst for

environmental protection, regeneration and improvement.

Swansea’s Tourism Strategy, Grab a Piece of the Action, 200623

identifies six sub

destinations within the county as priority for tourism development. Amongst these are

the M4 corridor and Mawr, both located in Swansea North and Valley Woods is

identified as a key feature of this area, along with Llandarcy Sports Village, the

potential major golf development and the strong Welsh language, culture and heritage

of the Mawr area. One of the main themes of the strategy is Swansea for outdoor

activities and healthy living in which walking and fishing are suggested as key

activities. Another theme is culture in a special environment in which photography,

landscape and parks and gardens are highlighted as some of Swansea’s distinctive

cultural assets. The Strategy also supports the regeneration of Valley Woods as a

priority project.

3.1.1 In Summary …

The project at Penllergare has the potential to contribute a wide range of benefits as

identified in these strategies:

o Improve the natural environment

o Build local distinctiveness

o Increase access to quality green spaces

o Involve local communities through volunteering, training and employment

22

City and County of Swansea, Ambition is Critical – Swansea‟s Community Strategy Update, 2007 23

Stevens & Associates, Grab a Piece of the Action – A Tourism Strategy for the City and County of

Swansea, 2006-2011


3.2 Demographic and Socio-Economic Context

This section identifies the key characteristics and size of the population living within the

target local and wider communities for Penllergare.

3.2.1 Drive Time (Isochrone) Analysis

Figure 3.1 below shows drive time zones of 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes from

Penllergare Civic Centre car park. Within 15 minutes, are Ammanford to the West,

Port Talbot to the East and most of the Swansea urban area. The 30-minute zone

covers Carmarthen in the West to Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend in the East. The 60-

minute drive time zone encompasses the area from Newport and Abergavenny in the

East to Lampeter in the North and Haverfordwest in the West.

Population characteristics within the 15, 30 and 60 minute zones are presented in

Appendix 6 and summarised here:

There is a resident population of 325,306 and 137,753 households within 15

minutes drive of Penllergare.

There is a resident population of over 2 million (2,025,680) and 840,096

households within an hour of Penllergare.

People with long term limiting illness represent over a quarter of the

population within 15 minutes of Penllergare (85,248).

A fifth of people within 15 minutes of Penllergare live in social housing (20%).

Nearly a third of households within the 15-minute drive zone have no car or

van (30%: 40.7k households).

Figure 3.1: Drive Times from Penllergare Valley Woods


3.2.2 Key Population Characteristics – Penderry, Penllergaer and

Cockett

An analysis of three neighbouring wards highlights some of the social differences

between communities that surround Valley Woods. Table A6.2 in Appendix 6 presents

a range of comparators across the three wards and also for Wales and Swansea.

Penderry Ward encompasses the Communities First project areas of Blaenymaes,

Portmead and Penlan. Penllergaer is located to the North West of the site and Cockett

due south of Penderry and south of the A483. The key findings are as follows:

Penderry has a high proportion of residents below the age of 25 (38%)

compared Swansea (31%),

Penllergaer (30%) and Cockett

(30%).

Penderry has a relatively small

proportion of older residents aged

55 or over compared with all of the

other areas: 24% compared with.

30% in Cockett and 28% in

Penllergaer

Of the three wards, Penllergaer has

the lowest proportion of residents

with limiting long-term illness (23%)

compared with 27% in Cockett and

30% in Penderry.

Those of working age in

employment is highest in

Penllergaer at 57% compared with

53% for Cockett and only 44% in

Penderry.

Cockett and Penllergaer have

similar levels of households in

social housing24

(21%). In Penderry

the majority of households are

living in social housing (58%).

In Swansea there are about 25,000

claimants of housing benefit or

council tax benefit. Some 11% of

these are residents of Penderry

(2,650); 6% are residents of

Cockett (1,565). Penllergaer has

only 200 residents who are claiming these benefits.

24

Rented from the local authority or a housing association. Since 2001, some 300 homes have been

completed on the Parc Penllergaer estate adding to the proportion of privately owned properties.


Nearly half of all households in Penderry (2,301 or 49%) have no car or van.

This is more than double the proportion in Penllergare (20%) and

considerably higher than in Cockett (27%).

The proportion of people aged 16-74 with no qualifications is highest in

Penderry at 53% and lowest in Penllergaer at 32% For Cockett it is 37% and

the average for Swansea is 31%.

A comparison of the areas by social class highlights more significant

differences between the wards. Only 27% of the Penderry households are in

Social Classes AB and C1, compared with nearly twice as many in

Penllergaer (53%) and 42% in Cockett. Over half of the households in

Penderry (58%) are, in categories D and E. In Penllergaer there are 35% in

these categories and in Cockett, 41% (table 3.1).

Table 3.1: Households by Social Class in Penderry, Penllergaer and Cockett Wards

% of total population

Wales Swansea Penderry Penllergaer Cockett

AB: Higher and intermediate managerial / administrative / professional

18% 19% 8% 23% 13%

C1: Supervisory, clerical, junior managerial / administrative / professional

29% 30% 19% 30% 29%

C2: Skilled manual workers 16% 14% 15% 12% 17%

D: Semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers 19% 18% 29% 18% 20%

E: On state benefit, unemployed, lowest grade workers

18% 19% 29% 17% 21%

Source: Office of National Statistics, Census 2001

The proportion of White British people living in the three Wards is similar to

the averages for Wales and Swansea, although in all cases a little higher. For

example, 98% of the population of Penderry is White British compared with

96% in Wales and Swansea. However, it is very likely that this proportion has

fallen, in recent years, particularly in Penderry. Since the census was taken in

2001 a number of asylum seekers have been housed in the area.

Proficiency in Welsh (table 3.2) is presented here by two indicators: (a) Welsh

Speakers which includes those not confident in writing or reading Welsh and

(b) Speaks, Reads and Writes Welsh.

Of the three wards the highest density of people with a proficiency in Welsh

live in Penllergaer: 18% of residents speak Welsh and of those, 13% can also

read and write in Welsh25

. However, it is interesting to note that only about

400 Welsh speakers live in Penllergaer compared to 790 in Penderry, (7%

Welsh speakers), and 1,485 in Cockett (12%).

Table 3.2: Proficiency in Welsh: Penderry, Penllergaer and Cockett Wards

(% of population)


Welsh speakers (20.5%)

29,476

(13.2%)

790

(7.2%)

442

(18.2%)

1,485

(11.8%)

Speaks, reads and writes Welsh (16.3%)

20,990

(9.4%)

516

(4.7%)

321

(13.2%)

1,044

(8.3%)

25

The West of Swansea is a particularly Welsh area – from Penclawdd, through Gowerton and Gorseinon to

Penllergaer.


Source: Office of National Statistics, Census 2001

3.2.3 Indices of Multiple Deprivation

Swansea City and County comprises some of the most and least deprived

communities within Wales (Figure 3.2) and ranks around the middle amongst Welsh

local authorities in terms of the overall level of deprivation.

Figure 3.2: Overall level of deprivation for each local authority compared

with the median (middle) rank for Wales

Changes to the way in which data are presented in the Welsh Index of Multiple

Deprivation 2005 (WIMD2005) have resulted in Wales being divided into 1,896 Lower

Super Output Areas (LSOA), each of them having a population of about 1,500.

Appendix 6 describes the aims and process of achieving the WIMD. Table A6.3 in

Appendix 6 presents a summary of the rankings for the ten most and five least

deprived LSOAs in Wales and in Swansea. There are 147 LSOAs in Swansea and

some of the most deprived are neighbouring communities to Valley Woods:

Penderry 1: Ranked 8th most deprived in Wales and second in Swansea overall.

Ranked most deprived in Swansea under income domain; 7th under

employment; 6th under health and second under education domain

Penderry 4: Ranked 7th most deprived in Swansea overall.

Also ranked 7th under income domain; 5

th under employment domain

and sixth under the education domain


Ranked 6th under income domain and third under education domain



Ranked 9th under employment domain and third under education

domain

Penderry 5: Ranked 9th under the education domain

Of the ten most deprived LSOAs under the education domain in Swansea, half of

them are in the Penderry ward.

Cockett 5: Ranked 5th most deprived under the physical environment domain

3.2.4 In summary …

The foregoing analysis highlights the contrasting socio economic characteristics of the

estates immediately surrounding Valley Woods, from high levels of deprivation in

Penderry Ward to the relatively prosperous communities of Cockett and Penllergaer.

Residents from these and other local communities will represent the highest numbers

of visitors and contribute to the sustainable development of the site into the future. It is

important that Valley Woods works to encourage access from all of these

neighbouring communities.

3.3 Tourism Context and Market Analysis

Swansea sits within the South West Wales planning region along with the local

authorities of Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The tourism

strategy for South West Wales, Open all Year26

, highlights a number of opportunities

for tourism growth in the region, including a growth in interest in natural environment,

cultural and activity based holidays. The strong existing base of culture, including

Welsh music and language, local arts and crafts and attractions and events, including

gardens and historic properties are highlighted as strong features of the tourism

product.

The vision for South West Wales sees the region providing high quality at all levels,

offering something special and distinctive and supporting profitable tourism

businesses able to invest in high quality staff and facilities. Tourism in the region

should also bring good quality jobs, and help to support local services, heritage and

the environment. There is obviously very strong resonance in this vision with the

Penllergare Trust’s vision for Valley Woods especially since special interest and

cultural heritage breaks featuring gardens are identified as a primary growth market.

Events focused and relevant to local product strengths are also to be encouraged.

The Strategy identifies other characteristics and emerging trends for tourism, amongst

which are the following:

Shorter more flexible holidays that fit into busy lives

More travel to keep in touch with friends and relatives

Increasing expectations in terms of quality of facilities and levels of service

Products suited to singles who want to meet others and seniors who are

young at heart

More last minute bookings

More active, fulfilling and enriching experiences with a cultural or special

interest theme

Special authentic experiences which make a visit distinctive or confer status

Increasing use of new technology

26

South West Wales Tourism Partnership, Open all Year – A Tourism Strategy for South West Wales, 2004-

2008


More recently the effects of the credit crunch have resulted in a strong upturn in

demand for domestic holidays from UK residents.

3.3.1 Swansea Bay - Local Market Characteristics

Penllergare Valley Woods is located in the North of Swansea, away from the areas

traditionally associated with tourism: Gower and Mumbles. However, the tourism

strategy for Swansea Bay identified this area of north Swansea as a potential sub-

destination for tourism. The planned Royal Fern Golf Course and restoration of

Penllergare Valley Woods would considerably uplift the number of visitors to north

Swansea bringing work opportunities and economic regeneration to the area.

To complement these developments the Mawr Development Trust, located to the

north of the M4 motorway, aims to attract visitors for walking and enjoying the

distinctive Welsh culture of music and language. Indeed, the current visitor brochure

for Swansea Bay27

encourages visitors to the Lliw Reservoirs in Mawr for walking. The

promotion of Valley Woods would add strength to this area as a destination for

walkers. An existing weakness is the shortage of visitor accommodation and it is

hoped that operators will, in time, be attracted to locate in the area stimulated by the

improvement in attractions.

The Gower Way long distance walking route (Rhossili to Penlle’r Castell in Mawr),

passes near to Penllergare. The Gower Society has plans to develop spurs or circular

routes from this long distance path and suggest that Penllergare could be included by

creating a physical link and/or through inclusion in an associated guidebook. In

addition the long distance Sustrans route 4 passes nearby. The opportunity to link

Valley Woods with this important route could also be explored.

The M4 corridor links a number of significant garden attractions including the National

Botanic Gardens, Aberglasney, Margam Park, Gnoll Park and Afan Forest Park. The

successful restoration of Penllergare would add another significant heritage garden

attraction, thus fulfilling an important objective of both Swansea Bay and South West

Wales Tourism Strategies and adding another product to the Region’s One Big

Garden marketing initiative28

. The recent upgrading of Bryn Mill Park in Swansea and

the Council’s plans to restore Cwmdonkin Park arise from an appreciation of the

significant heritage merits of Swansea’s parks and gardens and their importance in the

tourism offer as well as in benefits for the local communities. Indeed, the importance of

parks and gardens is highlighted in the 2008 tourist brochure for Swansea Bay, which

amongst those already mentioned, features Clyne Gardens, Clyne Valley Country

Park and Singleton Park.

The developing attractions near to Penllergare of Swansea Community Farm in Cadle

and Llys Nini RSPB rescue centre in Penllergaer also present opportunities for

destination development and joint marketing initiatives in order to increase visitor

interest in this northern area of Swansea.

Drive times from Penllergare Valley Woods

The population living within an hour of Swansea – the main day visitor market - is

about 2 million and encompass all of the major settlements of South Wales (see

Figure 3.1) and is made up as follows:

27

City and County of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Borough, Swansea Bay – Mumbles, Gower, Afan and

th eVale of Neath, 2008 28

www.onebiggarden.com

http://www.onebiggarden.com/


Table 3.3: Population and Households by Drive Time from Penllergare

Drive Time Zone Resident Population Households

0-15 minutes 325,306 137,753

0-30 minutes 595,840 252,084

0-45 minutes 957,830 400,653

0-60 minutes 2,025,680 840,096

Source: GIS analysis of 2001 Population Census

Within only 15 minutes drive of Penllergare there is estimated to be a population of

325,000, 138,000 households, which exceeds that of Swansea alone (223,301

population; 94,400 households). Located as it is next to a junction on the M4

motorway, the populations of Neath and Port Talbot are also accessible within this 15

minute zone.

STEAM Data and Swansea Bay Visitor Survey

A summary of the STEAM findings and recent trends (2002-2006) for the volume and

value of tourism to Swansea is presented here29

. This is complemented by information

from the Swansea Bay Visitor Survey, 200630

:

There were 1.3 million tourists (overnight visitors) to Swansea in 2006 that

stayed for 4.2 million nights and spent a total of £186m. The average length of

stay was 3.2 nights; the average spend per head was £148 and the average

spend per night was £42.

The number of day visitors to Swansea Bay was 2.6 million and they spent

£69.5m: an average of £26 per head, per day.

The relatively high level of income from the day visitor market is a function of

the high resident population living within easy travelling distance of Swansea.

Visitors and income have increased substantially between 2002 and 2006: by

23% and 26% overall respectively in Swansea Bay. This represents yearly

average increases of 4.6% and 5.2%.

In August 2006, 975 visitors were interviewed at a range of locations in Swansea City

Centre, Mumbles and Gower.

32% were from other parts of Wales; 58% were from elsewhere in the UK

and 10% were from overseas (mostly from Europe).

Nearly half of respondents were in a family group; most of them with children

(43%). Nearly a third (30%) were travelling with their partner, 10% were with

friends and 7% were travelling alone.

Over three quarters (77%) had visited Swansea Bay on a previous occasion.

Of those who had visited before, 60% had visited at least seven times.

44% of visitors said that they had not received information prior to their visit.

Given the high level of repeat visitation, this is not surprising. Some 13% said

that they had obtained information on a previous visit.

20% stated an intention to visit Swansea City Centre Tourist Information

Centre (TIC); 15% had used the Internet to gather information, 14% had

received word of mouth recommendations and 11% had already visited the

TIC. 13% had accessed www.visitswanseabay.com for information prior to

their visit.

29

See Appendix 6, Table A6.4 for the data in full 30

Conducted by Swansea City and County, this survey usually takes place annually

http://www.visitswanseabay.com/


When asked for the single main reason for visiting Swansea Bay, visiting

friends and relations was ranked highest (19% of respondents).

The following ranked highest as factors influencing their decision to visit:

o The coast (44%)

o Beaches (43%)

o Scenery, landscape, countryside (43%)

Over a third of respondents (35%) were on a holiday of at least three days,

staying away from home and 27% were on a day trip staying elsewhere (not

in Swansea).

30% were staying with friends and relatives and 27% were staying in

hotel/guesthouse or B&B accommodation.

Nearly half of visitors (45%) had taken part in low level walking.

Visitors were asked to express their opinions of Swansea Bay. Amongst the

results were the following:

o 89% - it is an area with great heritage and history

o 86% - it gives a strong sense of being in Wales

These results highlight a number of opportunities for Penllergare:

o To promote the site to repeat visitors, offering a new experience and area to

explore

o Promote the site for walking to staying visitors and day visitors to Swansea

Bay

o Promote Penllergare through the Tourist Information Centre and through the

Trust website and links to key tourism websites in Swansea Bay.

o Offer family activities during peak holiday seasons.

3.3.2 Natural Visitor Attractions within the 30 and 60 minute drive

zones of Penllergare

Visit Wales collects information on the numbers of visitors to attractions on a yearly

basis31

and estimates that visits to gardens attract revenue approaching £60 million to

Wales every year32

.

Not all attractions submit returns and of those that do, they are often estimated,

especially when they do not charge an entry fee. The categories under which the

attractions are classified are as follows:

Animal-related attractions

Historic properties (castles and houses in the main)

Leisure/Theme Parks

Museums and/or Art Galleries

Nature-based attractions

Steam/Heritage Railways

Workplaces

31

Visit Wales, Visits to Tourist Attractions 32

Visit Wales Survey of Overnight Visitors to Wales


Penllergare Valley Woods would be classed as a ‘nature-based attraction’ that

includes country parks, parks, estates and gardens. Table A7.2 in Appendix 7 lists the

attractions under this category that made returns to the Wales Tourist Board or Visit

Wales between 2003 and 2006 and which are located within 60 minutes drive of

Penllergare. The main observations are as follows:

Whilst most of the 19 attractions are local authority owned, there are two that

are owned by the National Trust; two that are run by another Trust or charity;

two that are privately owned and run and one that is run by a National Park.

The average number of visitors to these attractions in 2006 was 128,000 for

attractions within 30 minutes of Penllergare and 77,000 for those located

between 30 and 60 minutes, giving an overall average for the 60-minute zone

of 116,000.

Six of the attractions charge an entrance fee. This ranged from £3.20

(Aberdulais Falls) to £10.00 (National Botanic Garden of Wales)33

.

The Country Parks (all free entry) ranged between 70,000 (Craig y Nos

Country Park) and 414,000 (Pembrey Country Park) visitors.

Aberglasney Gardens, run by a Charitable Trust, attracts approaching 50,000

a year.

Colby Woodland Garden attracts nearly 30,000.

Over the period 2004 to 2006, most of the attractions showed growth in visitor

numbers, most notably Gnoll Estate, Margam Country Park and Colby

Woodland Garden. However, with some of the larger attractions showing

slight declines, the overall average shows a stable picture over the three-year

period.

Unlike Penllergare, all of the attractions listed are in rural or semi-rural locations. The

high levels of visitation to the listed attractions, far surpasses the predictions of the

Trust for some 42,00034

and current estimates of 16,000-18,000 (see Appendix 2).

Given that the average number of visitors to natural attractions within 60 minutes of

Penllergare is 116,000, it is reasonable to estimate future visitation at Valley Woods at

100,000 at least. Once the restoration is complete and assuming that all visitor

facilities are in place, an additional 30,000 to 50,000 paying visitors seems reasonable.

In the light of these figures it appears that Penllergare has the potential to considerably

grow its visitor numbers by increasing standards of access to those required to

achieve Country Park status. However, current users of Valley Woods and the Trust

have stated a preference for maintaining its wild character and sense of place and

identity established in the Victorian era. In this way, whilst aiming to increase access,

the Trust is keen to avoid compromising the intrinsic values of Penllergare. This

approach might well impact on the potential to attract the high levels of visitors typical

of some of the local natural attractions.

A further table in Appendix 7 (A7.3) presents a list of natural and woodland attractions

in Swansea: some forty sites in total. These range from local authority managed parks

and gardens and nature reserves. Significantly, apart from Penllergare, only two of

these are located in North Swansea. Park Melin Mynach, a heritage park, has recently

undergone a programme of regeneration and restoration by the Gorseinon Woodlands

project at Gorseinon Development Trust and Coedbach Park in Pontarddulais, is a

typical urban park.

33

Charges relate to 2006 34

Penllergare Trust, November 2007


3.3.3. Education and Life Long Learning at Natural Attractions

The Trust intends to develop its educational offer to encompass a wider age range

than at present. It is, therefore, useful in this context to compare the educational offer

for both children and adults at some nearby attractions and centres:

Margam Country Park

A residential centre run by the Field Studies Council focuses on developing

ideas of sustainability for KS 2 children living in Neath Port Talbot and

Swansea.

Occasional leisure learning courses are provided for individuals and families,

particularly courses on bats.

In 2004 a working party of Neath Port Talbot teachers volunteered to create

new modules as self-guided units for Margam Country Park. Amongst other

programmes, these include:

o Tudors at Margam

o Art at Margam

o Geography at Margam

o Sculpture at Margam

o Leisure and Marketing for secondary pupils

Each year a weekend course is run for trainee and wholly qualified teachers

of primary school children to develop skills and confidence in using the

outdoor classroom for teaching.

National Botanic Garden of Wales

A wide range of taught programmes by educational staff at Foundation and

KS 2, 3 and 4 levels.

Charges per child for taught programmes range from £3.25 up to KS4 and £4

for post 16. Self-led visits are charged at £2.75 and £4 respectively.

Teacher professional development courses

Workshops and courses for the general public in, for example, basket

weaving, plant propagation, digital photography, plant illustration and herbal

remedies

Free tours and talks programme

Aberglasney

Craft workshops for adults only (no schools programme): greeting cards,

parchment craft, flower arranging


On site and school based activities focusing on food production, farming and

animal welfare as well as composting, recycling, waste management and

mini-beasts

Primary school groups are charged at £87 for group of 30 per half day

Summer playscheme

Indoor and outdoor teaching areas


Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Penclacwydd, Llanelli35

A number of existing programmes that can be tailored to meet special needs

or interests:

o Close Encounters – KS1 (all year)

o Great Pond Safari 9GPS) – CA2 (spring, summer, autumn)

o My Great Adventure KS2 and KS1 (autumn, winter and spring)

o Pond Ecology– secondary programmes.

Gower Heritage Centre

A range of activities for primary school groups with curriculum links to physical

processes, local history study, investigating and making

For secondary school groups physical processes and leisure and tourism

Indoor teaching areas

Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve

A range of activities for primary schools focusing on investigative skills, life

processes and living things, geographical skills (maps and plans)

environmental change, art using a range of natural objects and writing

Secondary schools focus on investigative skills, life processes and living

things and environmental change.

Subjects are delivered through on site and school based work

Roundhouse accommodates up to 50 children

Activities are free of charge if led by Wardens

Forest School also run activities on site and a fee is charged for these

In spite of the apparently wide range of sites for educational visits, teachers consulted

for this study said that there are few within the area that offer the variety of

opportunities for natural study in a safe environment as at Penllergare Valley Woods.

The added opportunities for heritage and history learning at Penllergare add a further

dimension to the site as a focus for learning.

3.4 SWOT Analysis

A full SWOT analysis is presented at Appendix 8. Based on the research and

consultations undertaken for this study it identifies the current Strengths, Weaknesses,

Opportunities and Threats for Penllergare. The main themes and issues arising from

this analysis are as follows:

A need to capitalise on the distinctive identity of Penllergare; its heritage and natural environment and to promote these values to surrounding communities

The need to work with partners to promote sustainable tourism, the garden product and heritage themes to develop a strong sense of place in North Swansea

A need to increase awareness of Valley Woods through product development, events and marketing / promotion and integrate into sub regional marketing initiatives.

Improve access to the site via foot, cycle, car and bus and ensure safe arrival and exit.

35

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Ensure that the site is integrated into developing walking and cycling routes within the surrounding area

Develop informal partnerships for a wide range of activities and benefits including volunteering, child and youth access and education, BME and disabled access.

Improve access through information and interpretation, being mindful of the needs of people with disabilities, the low-skilled, BME populations and Welsh speakers

Continue with access improvements for - including walking routes, orienteering trails, themed trails, seating, fishing club – to appeal to a wider range of users

Incorporate principles of economic and environmental sustainability in the operation of the site

Consider allocating an area designated for overnight camping and barbeques for families and organised groups (Duke of Edinburgh, Forest School)

Ensure that use of the Welsh language is integrated into all printed materials and the web site. If possible recruit a Welsh speaker as employee or volunteer.


Chapter

4

Access, Audience Development and

Training Opportunities

4.1 Introduction

It is important that the principles of sustainable development and community benefit

continue to underlie the development of access and audience development at

Penllergaer. Local people living in neighbouring communities currently play an

essential role in the restoration, planning and management of Valley Woods.

However, this is not a one-way relationship. Valley Woods has the potential to

significantly benefit local communities by offering training, employment and education

as well as leisure and health benefits arising from enjoyable, therapeutic exercise.

This chapter suggests ways of overcoming existing barriers to access and ways of

developing the audiences to Penllergare in order to sustain the site into the future and

to ensure that Valley Woods contributes positively to the health and economic

wellbeing of the local communities and to the wider City and region.

4.2 Education and Life Long Learning

4.2.1 The Education Sector - Opportunities

This section summarises the potential for attracting visits from, and educational

training opportunities for, places of education, from primary schools through to

Universities. The catchment area is seen as primarily Swansea-based schools and

institutions, and secondarily as Further Education and Higher Education

establishments within a 10-20-mile radius, notably those situated in Carmarthen and

Neath Port Talbot.

The physical, scientific, historical and arts-based attributes identified, and capable of

being used for educational study contained within Penllergare Valley Woods, are

considered to be:

Botany

Biology (inc. Zoology)

Horticulture (inc. Forestry)

Geology/Geography

Environmental Science

Environmental and Environmental Management

19th century social history

Photography

Architecture (built and landscape)

Civil Engineering and Construction

Travel and Tourism


Lifelong Learning

It is a matter for the Penllergare Valley Project Trustees to determine which of these

subject areas are likely to result in the most beneficial outreach into social and

educational communities.

However, other opportunities exist for imaginative course tutors to tailor courses of

study or individual projects to a specific aspect or attribute of the site to other

audiences and given appropriate and relevant interpretation in its many forms, it is

possible that in time Lifelong Learning audiences will become the most numerous.

Schools

Some six local primary schools are already involved in programmes of study at

Penllergare. While the revised curriculum for Wales suggests that schools should be

local to a study location, it is likely that many other schools within a 5-10 mile radius of

Penllergare will be interested in the site. Within Swansea alone there are 82 primary

and junior schools; 15 secondary schools, two special schools and two colleges of

further education which offer AS/A Level and NVQ programmes (Swansea College

and Gorseinon College).

The experience of the visitor attractions sector is that educational visits are mainly

made by Primary schools. Nonetheless, initial approaches to two local secondary

schools and a sixth form college have identified a strong interest in using Valley

Woods for self-guided fieldwork in biology, environmental science and geography for

GCSE and A level and the potential to use the woods as a setting for a broader range

of study across a number of disciplines (including maths, English, art and history) for

younger secondary school pupils36

. Moreover the opportunities for practical

experience leading to Duke of Edinburgh and ASDAN37

awards were highlighted

along with opportunities for non-academic students to contribute to the wider

volunteer programme at Valley Woods.

Consultations undertaken with primary and secondary school teachers in 2008 and in

200638

identified a number of opportunities for developing the schools’ educational

offer. The main outcomes of the consultations for 2008 are presented in Appendix 9

(which also presents curriculum subject areas particularly relevant to Penllergare).

For primary school teachers the new curriculum with its focus on the outdoor

classroom and on linked themes with strong sustainability and environmental strands

means that Penllergare is a particularly valuable resource.

Primary school teachers were highly supportive of building an education room with

teaching aids and working with the Trust in developing learning resources. An

education centre at Valley Woods would enable all day visits. A visitor centre with

interpretation and exhibitory including memorabilia was also suggested. The

advantage of a full time educational officer, particularly for primary schools, was

considered to be essential and considerable appreciation was expressed with Valley

Wood’s full time education officer (in post for two years). Secondary school teachers

develop their own programmes but even they would appreciate an educational centre

and occasional support from educational officers.

For many schools a major obstacle to school trips is the cost of transport. Budgets for

field visits are small and the ability or willingness of parents in some of the less

economically fortunate areas to supplement these budgets is limited.

36

Identified by the head teacher of Daniel James school in 2006 37

www.asdan.org.uk - ASDAN programmes provide accreditation for activities that students are already

engaged in … encourages curriculum enrichment and fosters the development of key skills 38


http://www.asdan.org.uk/


The need to develop access for children of all physical abilities so that disabled and

able-bodied children can remain together on field trips is in line with WAG agendas.

Teachers said that a wider age range than years 5 and 6 could be involved even

down to Foundation Phase with its focus on learning through experience and

adventurous play. However, this would bring challenges in terms of Health and Safety

and any activity that means a long walk to the teaching areas will be a problem for the

very young.

Colleges and Universities

In Appendix 9 a range of courses are presented in local universities and colleges that

might well be encouraged to develop modules of field study or practical experience at

Penllergare. Gorseinon College has already run a practical session and developed a

Penllergare fieldwork guide for students undertaking A level studies in Environmental

Science. Increased awareness of Valley Woods amongst teachers will reveal other

opportunities for practical study. For example the Intermediate Photography course at

Gorseinon College might take an interest in the significant history of photography at

Penllergare and focus on the woods for a module of study. In addition, those

establishments running Travel and Tourism courses might take Penllergare as a case

study; or building works considered necessary for public access to the Valley (e.g.

bridges, landscaping, carpentry and joinery) could be the subject of practical projects.

Similarly, the Horticulture department of Coleg Sirgar are potential partners for the

development of the walled and terraced gardens.

Staff in Swansea Metropolitan University’s school of Built and Natural Environment

has already indicated that Valley Woods has got everything – it‟s a marvellous

teaching aid. No student will go through here without knowing Valley Woods. They

have identified a number of existing and potential areas of study and involvement in

the development of the Valley Woods project including:

o identification work and habitat surveys

o invertebrate sampling in rivers and lakes

o production of education packs based on these studies for use by school

groups

o practice in survey techniques and GIS

o the development of sustainable buildings on site

o the design of a sustainable trail

o advice and practical work on the development of sustainable practices on

site including rainwater harvesting, reed bed sewage treatment, hydro-

electric power, all of which would act as useful educational resources in

themselves

o potential for joint funding applications for projects which focus on Valley

Woods

Other areas of involvement suggested by SMU include the design and production of

Trust leaflets using the university’s art and design department and print room. Another

suggestion was for a student competition to design a logo for the Trust.

4.2.2 Youth Opportunities

Penllergare Trust has identified a need to engage with young people aged 13-18

living in the local community to provide interesting and challenging outdoor activities,

training and work experience to divert them from anti-social activities. The Trust also

acknowledges that Valley Woods is an important local resource offering freedom and

recreation for teenagers in an otherwise urban setting where inactivity and obesity are


persistent health challenges. The appointment of a volunteer coordinator will help to

develop programmes with young people and build working relationships with local

youth workers and voluntary and statutory organisations currently working with young

people.

The Trust has as its goal to achieve OCN accreditation in conservation skills for

people aged 15 and upwards over the next three years in conservation skills and is

seeking partners to help deliver these programmes. Blaenymaes, Portmead and

Penplas Development Trust and SPARK Blaenymaes39

have already expressed an

interest in working with the Trust on developing OCN programmes.

However, on a less formal level there are many local organisations interested in

projects for skill building activities and programmes for young people. These include,

for example, the Youth Offending Team, Fairbridge40

, the Princes Trust, BTCV,

Morriston Young Fire Fighters Group, Menter Allan carers project in Ty Forest,

Gorseinon Army Cadets, Gorseinon Youth Centre and detached youth workers. The

Trust could establish contact with these and other local organisation to identify useful

projects and activities.

The Trust might also consider alternative accreditation schemes based on fewer

participation hours than the OCN: The Children’s University (under 10s) and the

Youth University (11 – 25 years).

Duke of Edinburgh award candidates could also be involved in skill development

through their Sectional Certificates in practical work at Penllergare. The consultations

also revealed an interest in Valley Woods as a site for overnight camps for D of E

training.

The Young People’s Partnership comprising a number of voluntary organisations

including Guides and Scouts, disabled and ethnic minority groups would also be a

useful point of contact for the Trust.

The importance of involving young people in consultations throughout the

development of the project was highlighted throughout the consultations.

4.2.3 Engaging with learning providers

The diversity of education and learning networks together with organisations and

statutory, private and voluntary sectors, involved in lifelong learning is extensive.

Within Swansea, the Swansea Environmental Education Forum (SEEF) aims to

support, promote and co-ordinate quality Environmental Education and Education for

Sustainable Development at all levels throughout Swansea. Also, the Sustainable

Swansea project has developed a sustainability trail and a teachers guide to the trail

including outdoor learning opportunities at sites throughout Swansea. In future the

Trust could take advantage of opportunities such as these, become fully involved in

local networks and achieve recognition within Swansea as an important site for

learning.

Listed below are other useful links and potential partners:

o Community Learning Network: (www.cln.org) Subscribers are kept in touch

with the most innovative learning programmes across the UK

o Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme: (www.theaward.org)

o Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship: (www.esd-

wales.org.uk) Developed in response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s

39

www.sparkblaenymaes.org.uk 40

www.fairbridge.org.uk/swansea

http://www.cln.org/

http://www.theaward.org/

http://www.esd-wales.org.uk/

http://www.esd-wales.org.uk/

http://www.sparkblaenymaes.org.uk/

http://www.fairbridge.org.uk/swansea


Environment Strategy, this site provides teachers and educators with ready

access to information and support.

o Open College Network (OCN) Wales: (www.ocnwales.org.uk) An

accreditation service through a national framework of local Open College

Networks.

o Children's University Wales (CU): (www.childrensuniversityswansea.org)

Awards credits to children and young people aged 5 to 19 who attend

activities outside normal school hours. Working closely with families and

carers, schools and communities, the CU rewards children and young people

for taking part in sports, arts, I.T. and other activities they enjoy. Activities can

be organised by schools, youth clubs, voluntary and other organisations.The

CU has three sections: Kids' College (ages 5-8); Children's University (ages

9-13); Youth University (ages 14-19)

o University of the Third Age (U3A): (www.u3a.org.uk) To encourage lifelong

learning for those no longer in full time gainful employment.

o Forest Schools Wales (www.forestschoolswales.org.uk) Forest schools

encourage and inspire people of any age and ability to grow in self-esteem,

self-confidence and independence by undertaking small achievable tasks and

so promote understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

o The Institute for Outdoor Learning: (www.outdoor-learning.org) encourages

outdoor learning by developing quality, safety and opportunity to experience

outdoor activity provision and by supporting and enhancing the good practice

of those who work in the outdoors.

4.2.4 Income generation through learning

Penllergare currently imposes no charges from its educational activities although it

does ask for voluntary donations. There is some potential for income generation

through learning, particularly for primary school groups although a classroom will be

necessary before charges can be imposed. It would appear that a charge of around

£80 for a half-day session with a group of 30 primary school children would be

possible.

Other educational initiatives including family weekend and holiday activities could also

be sustained either by grant income or by direct charges to participants. The addition

of a visitor centre with café and shop would provide complementary facilities and

further develop revenue opportunities to educational groups.

The Trust might also consider working with partner organisations and individuals to

deliver on site workshops and adult education programmes in subjects which help to

reinforce the brand identity of Valley Woods: the history of photography, digital

photography, gardening, woodcrafts, Victorian gardens of Wales, early astronomy etc.

A local company that runs Bushcraft courses has held highly successful sessions with

local young people in Valley Woods.

4.3 Health and Wellbeing

The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to improving the health and wellbeing

of people in Wales. The physical benefits of increasing activity are well recognised as

reducing and preventing heart disease, stroke, some cancers, high blood pressure,

diabetes, obesity and arthritis. The mental health benefits that arise from physical

activity and exposure to woodland environments can include the reduction of stress,

easing of mild to moderate depression and enhancing self esteem.

http://www.ocnwales.org.uk/

http://www.childrensuniversityswansea.org/

http://www.u3a.org.uk/

http://www.forestschoolswales.org.uk/

http://www.outdoor-learning.org/


A number of other activities can contribute to health and wellbeing, for example green

woodworking, environmental conservation and bush craft skills. The Coed Lleol

partnership41

also identifies environmental arts as an area of activity appropriate to

woodlands that increase satisfaction and self-esteem. Significantly, art projects are

considered by the Black Environment Network (BEN) to be particularly effective in

involving ethnic minority groups in outdoor activities.

Valley Woods also provides an ideal setting for walking and to a lesser extent cycling,

riding and orienteering. Indeed Swansea Orienteering Club is currently developing a

route and associated map for Valley Woods.

The Let‟s Walk Cymru initiative42

seeks to

explore innovative ways of promoting walking to

improve health and wellbeing. There is an

opportunity for the Trust to establish its own

programme of healthy walks taking advantage of

the grants and training on offer through this

scheme and targeting neighbouring communities.

Themed walks are known to be particularly

popular with older members of the community

and the activity of Nordic walking43

is becoming increasingly popular and suited to the

sometimes-challenging gradients of Valley Woods.

In addition, existing groups could be encouraged to use the woods for exercise. These

include, for example, the Get Gorseinon Going initiative, Mentro Allan44

and the

programme of walks for the unfit arranged by the City and County of Swansea45

,

which are run by trained volunteers. There is also a sports team based at Blaenymaes

whose aim is to develop community champions to deliver walks in the long term. In

addition, a ‘5 x 60’ officer will be appointed in September 2008 to work with schools to

generate extra curricular activities aimed at non-participants.

A lunchtime programme of healthy walks in Valley Woods is being organised by the

Council’s fitness team for employees at the Penllergaer Civic Offices. The Trust has

the opportunity to augment this programme by offering additional themed walks to

broaden the level of participation and raise awareness of the heritage and

environmental values of the site to Council staff.

The Trust could also work with BTCV to establish a Green Gym at Penllergare.

Whether for organised or informal walks, the Trust could encourage participation by

making it easy to use the site: develop information supported by clear route marking,

distance markers and maps for independent walkers/runners and information on

calories burnt en route.

Whilst the main target market for walking is likely to be neighbouring communities,

visitors from further afield will also be encouraged to walk in Valley Woods – and

particularly those living or staying within half an hour’s drive of Swansea. Walking is by

far the most important outdoor activity and one of the key activities receiving strategic

marketing support by Visit Wales46

. Penllergare’s strengths in this market are in the

variety of walking locations within a relatively small accessible area. Of course, the

significant history of the site also offers a distinct advantage.

41

http://www.coedlleol.org.uk/ and John H Taylor, Woodlands for Health and Wellbeing: Why and How 42

http://www.lets-walk-cymru.org.uk 43

Nordic Walking burns 30% more calories and exercises the chest and arms. 44

A Big Lottery funded programme of outdoor projects throughout Wales targeting hard to reach and inactive

members of the community. There is a carers activity group based locally in Ty Fforest 45

Contact Paul Whapham 46

Wales Tourist Board, Best Foot Forward, A Walking Strategy for Wales

http://www.coedlleol.org.uk/

http://www.lets-walk-cymru.org.uk/


4.3.1 Training for Health and Wellbeing

The appointment of a Champion at the site for all access issues including training

would be beneficial.

Case studies of projects elsewhere and access to national and local organisations will

provide useful ideas and advice on effective health initiatives, activities and events for

Penllergare. Visits to other initiatives would be particularly

useful for Penllergare staff:

Tir Coed – Woods and Wellbeing : www.tircoed.org.uk47

Forestry Commission Wales - Active Woods:

www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods

Coed Lleol - www.coedlleol.org.uk

Woodland Trust - www.treeforall.org.uk ; www.woodland-

trust.org.uk/communitywoodlandnetwork/48

Organisations that run training programmes include the following49

:

Coppicewood College in West Wales -

http://www.coppicewoodcollege.co.uk/ - promotes, supports and teaches

traditional rural and woodland skills

The Green Wood Centre - www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk - teaches over 70 craft

courses

Bishops Wood Centre (Worcestershire) - http://worcestershire.whub.org.uk/home/wcc-

edu-bishops-wood.htm - quality environment for training and excellent indoor facilities

Graybeards Wood - www.coedlleol.org.uk - offers a range of woodland-based training

courses specialising in training for disadvantaged and marginalized groups

Gwendraeth Environmental Training – a network of trainers who work with schools

and community groups to raise awareness of woodlands as a sustainable natural

resource with an emphasis on practical activities: charcoal making, willow work etc.

Can provide training in woodland craft skills, woodland management skills and

environmental arts50

The Green Art Studio – located in woodland near Llanelli, runs environmental projects

and have worked with disengaged youth and mental health service users.

4.4 Physical Access to Penllergare Valley Woods

4.4.1 Signage

At present there are no traffic signs or tourist brown signs directing visitors from the

main carriageways to Penllergare; the only signs of any kind being located at the site

entrances. With the development of the site – and particularly the restoration of the

historical features – it will be necessary to direct vehicles from the M4 roundabout to

the main site entrance at Penllergare through the use of brown directional signs.

However, the precise whereabouts of the main entrance and visitor area is yet to be

47

Has trained Mental Health Support Workers in mid and west Wales in green woodworking skills 48

Provide information on local woodland groups that volunteer within Welsh woodlands: see

www.yourwoods.org.uk 49

The programmes listed here are a small selection of those presented in John H Taylor on behalf of Coed

Lleol Partnership, Woodlands for Health and Wellbeing – Why and How 50

contact:: [email protected]

http://www.tircoed.org.uk/

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods


http://www.treeforall.org.uk/

http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/communitywoodlandnetwork/

http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/communitywoodlandnetwork/

http://www.coppicewoodcollege.co.uk/

http://www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk/

http://worcestershire.whub.org.uk/home/wcc-edu-bishops-wood.htm

http://worcestershire.whub.org.uk/home/wcc-edu-bishops-wood.htm


http://www.yourwoods.org.uk/



determined. Until the site is developed, therefore, it is appropriate to maintain a low-

key approach to encouraging access by car, which could be reviewed as the project

progresses.

4.4.2 Entrances and paths

Although recently improved and marked with signs and gates, the entrances to Valley

Woods are still understated and of equal status. Consultees highlighted the need for a

prominent main entrance with detailed map and information available and to generally

promote a sense of welcome and safety at site entrances. Disabled access and car

parking could be provided and advertised in leaflets and on the website. Clear

information about the distance between bus stops and entrances to the site could be

made available and the Trust could work with the City and County of Swansea to

ensure that safe walking routes to the site.

On-site opportunities exist for51

:

o Seating, picnic spots and shelters

o 4-6% car parking for disabled spaces

o Seating along routes to and from car park

o Accessible circular routes of different lengths

o A hierarchy of routes according to accessibility

Physical access proposals are set out in the Conservation Management Plan and

include the following:

o Extend the primary surfaced access circuits

o Recreate Old Bridge and modify existing bridge access to allow access for a

wider range of users

o Undertake further consultations on a possible permissive cycle route

o Ensure adequate signage, leaflets and way-marking to indicate routes

o Ensure all site furniture meets accessibility requirements

4.5 Visitor Interpretation and Information

The Conservation Management Plan has identified in its Statement of Significance a

number of themes that reflect the character and identity of Penllergare and which will

shape the development of a brand identity for the site:

o Historic Designed Landscape

o Local Community Green Space

o The History of Science and Technology – Photography, Astronomy, Physics,

Natural History, Horticulture, Botany, Industry and Engineering

o Wildlife Value

o Cultural Value

These themes could form the basis of an interpretation plan for Penllergare, which

directs and shapes interpretive activities into the future52

. This section highlights a

number of opportunities that might be incorporated in such a plan.

51

See HLF and English Heritage, Easy Access to Historic Landscapes 52

Herian is an organisation that can help with Interpretive Plans and promotion – see www.herian.org

http://www.herian.org/


The current interpretation offer is delivered principally via the education, walks and

outreach activities of the Trust and informally via encounters with on-site wardens.

During the course of the research for this report a number of opportunities were

highlighted to encourage further visits to Valley Woods.

One of the most popular ideas for interpretation arising particularly from the Friends

and Visitor Surveys, 2008 (see Appendix 2) was for on-site interpretive panels for the

classification of trees, labelling and interpretation of landmarks and presenting general

information on Valley Wood’s various habitats and species. However, the Trust has

stated an intention to preserve the natural character of the site and is, therefore,

against the installation of obtrusive boards and signage in the landscape. This is

entirely appropriate, although in future if certain areas are developed for concentrated

visitor presence (Visitor Centre and car park, walled and terraced gardens) it might

well be deemed appropriate to install signage and interpretation at these locations.

This policy has implications for the rest of the interpretive offer and, in particular, the

range and quality of printed materials for self-guided visits. One of the greatest barriers

to access is lack of information53

. Whilst visitors appreciate the two leaflets currently

available, a broader range of literature would help to encourage more visits especially

if themed and linked to circular routes.

An opportunity exists to produce maps of the site that are accessible to a wide range

of users including physically and visually impaired visitors. All maps could offer tonal

contrast and use appropriate colours54

. As well as highlighting the significant

landmarks, maps could also give information on the location of seating and shelter,

information on the direction and maximum gradient of slopes, path surfaces, toilets

and accessible parking. Maps and other forms of interpretation could be developed in

association with disabled groups55

. It is important to note that catering to people with

disabilities increases access for all regardless of ability.

The Trust’s programme of guided walks is a particularly valuable and much

appreciated offer, especially since Valley Woods is a natural site where the heritage

offer is as yet to a large extent hidden. These walks could be extended to cater to

different needs as identified under the Health and Wellbeing section above and

promoted particularly to those living in the immediately surrounding communities. This

programme of walks has value in introducing people who might otherwise feel unsure

or unsafe in the woods and would therefore, be particularly useful to be tailored for

elderly or disabled users. Guided walks can also introduce those unable to access

written forms of interpretation owing to low literacy skills and are particularly useful,

therefore, for people living in the neighbouring Communities First area where literacy

levels are low and for people from ethnic minority communities.

Depending on need, the Trust could consider purchasing portable hearing loops for

guides and education workers and developing sensory tours for unsighted visitors as

well as leaflets and boards in Braille. Audio tours might be needed in future as

demand grows from all sectors of the community including those with low literacy

skills.

53

HLF and English Heritage, Easy Access to Historic Landscapes 54

The use of the colour red, for example, is a barrier to the large number of people who are colour blind. 55

Officers at SAFE (Swansea Access for Everyone) have offered to help with the development of accessible

interpretive materials and information and the Disability Forum also offers a range of disability specialists.

Another contact is the Disability Officer at Swansea Council for Voluntary Services.

One person in five is disabled - 11.7m and a further 18m would benefit from improved access to public spaces. These include older families, families with young children and people with temporary or health related impairments (ODPM, 2003). Over 2m have a visual impairment; 8m suffer from hearing loss; over 7m have literacy problems.


The system for on-site way marking currently used (coloured posts) is adequate

although it causes some confusion given the complexity of routes and topography.

Clear and simple way-marking could be developed. The principle of using colour

coding to match the site map is a good one. The Trust could in future consider using

the system used in the City and County of Swansea’s parks where different colours

signify grades of difficulty. Using a scheme that is already familiar to many users will

avoid any confusion and align Penllergare with other Swansea parks.

On arrival at car parks, signs could reinforce the messages that Penllergare offers a

recreational experience that is different from elsewhere; that it is not a Country Park

and that some effort will be required to gain the most from the experience. Signs could

explain how to use the site including reasons for not allowing vehicle access and for

restricting cycling and horse riding to certain routes. Signs could also explain any

ongoing management works and to educate visitors about responsible use of the site

– including the control of dogs. The promotion of the Trust’s website could also appear

on these signs along with temporary notices advertising public on-site events.

As a matter of principle all printed materials should be produced in easy to read

formats again being sensitive to colour contrasts, simple English and Welsh and print

sizes (at least 12pt is recommended) and where possible replacing words with

pictures. Clear written information along these lines is useful for people with poor sight

(including the elderly) and those who speak English/Welsh as a second language.

Consultation with disability groups will reveal whether large print versions are required.

It is often useful to provide these as downloadable documents from the website.

In line with Welsh Assembly Government policy it is advisable that all interpretive

materials and information, including the Trust’s website, could be presented bilingually

and grants are available from the Welsh Language Board for this56

. Aside from

catering to Welsh speakers, the use of Welsh contributes to a sense of identity which

is particularly welcome to Welsh, English and other tourists and visitors.

For most visitors, and particularly for disabled users, pre-visit information containing

details of site layout, facilities available, public transport and historical significance of

the landscape will allow them to plan ahead. Many visitors use the Internet for forward

planning and the Trust could ensure that comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate

information is available. In particular, information on public transport access could be

presented, showing maps with bus stops and walking routes from stops to site

entrances.

As a matter of principle the Trust actively promote access to Valley Woods by public

transport and liaise with the bus companies to improve service frequency and to

include Sundays and Bank Holidays. Wherever possible bus timetables and taxi

phone numbers could also be presented in accessible formats in Trust literature and

on signs.

Special events focusing upon the main interpretive themes would attract visitors to

the site. These might include, for example, photographic competitions – a photo

marathon for example - bird identification initiative, orienteering, treasure hunt, live

interpretation events in Victorian costume and bush craft activities. Exhibitions

featuring the ongoing project or photographs from competitions could be displayed in

prominent public locations for example in County Hall, Morriston Hospital and the

DVLA.

56

www.byig.wlb.org.uk The Welsh Language Board became answerable to the National Assembly under the

Government of Wales Act 1998, it having previously been accountable to and funded by the Welsh Office.

The Board aims to make it easer for everyone to use Welsh in all walks of life, to increase people’s

confidence in their ability to use the language, to encourage more people to speak, read or write it in new

situations and to pass on the language to their children.

http://www.byig.wlb.org.uk/


As a focus for interpretation, information provision and orientation, a visitor and

education centre would significantly increase the sense of welcome. This would be

augmented by toilet facilities, café and shop selling items that, once again, build brand

identity to reflect the main interpretive themes. The opportunity to build in educational

value by demonstrating best environmental practice in the build and operation of the

centre could also be considered.

The restoration of the walled gardens opens up a significant range of opportunities

for interpretation, all linked to several of the main themes.

4.6 Brand Identity, Marketing and Advertising

4.6.1 Developing Brand Image

The ultimate aim of a strong brand is to reflect the vision, values and strengths of an

organisation in such a way that they can be understood and shared by everyone. The

brand identity has an important role to play in reflecting the style of the organisation

and attracting interest. In the case of Penllergare, the key themes of significance

encompassed in the interpretation plan underlie and shape identity.

Although not an immediate or short-term priority, the Trust could consider working with

a professional designer/developer to produce a set of guidelines to enable control of

all aspects of Penllergare’s brand expression. Alternatively, Swansea Metropolitan’s

graphic design department might be offered this as a student project. Guidelines

would encompass, for example, the positioning of the logo on all publications, to the

vocabulary used in press releases. As the organisation grows and takes on more staff

and volunteers, these guidelines will ensure that a consistent and professional image

is presented. In addition, the Trust needs to develop a simple, eye-catching logo in

keeping with the identified brand values. Some of the logos presented under section

4.3 provide useful examples.

4.6.2 Marketing and Advertising

So far marketing and advertising has been low-key and appropriate to the developing

project at Valley Woods. However, as accessibility increases and as the project

develops to incorporate more facilities, so the need to attract more visitors increases

for site maintenance and sustainable sources of income.

A Marketing Plan could be developed in the near future. However, in the meantime a

number of opportunities are presented here in addition to those outlined in earlier

sections of this chapter (under Education and Health and Wellbeing sections).

Marketing activity should focus upon the communities immediately adjoining

Penllergare which are easily accessible by walking or public transport. Anecdotal

evidence suggests that a high proportion of people living locally are either unaware of

Valley Woods or perceive the site to be derelict or unsafe. The relatively wild character

of the woods could also be off-putting for many in this relatively urbanised area of

Swansea. Targeted marketing could involve outreach activities in local organisations,

clubs and societies; Valley Woods leaflets and posters distributed widely in a range of

community outlets including surgeries, community centres and schools; arranging

guided walks and organising family and school events for people living in the local

area.

For the wider community of Swansea including visitors, Trust leaflets could be

distributed in the Tourist Information Centre (used by Swansea residents as well as

tourists) and at other tourist points throughout the city including the LC2, the National


Maritime Museum, Swansea Museum, The Gower Heritage Centre, the Guildhall and

the library/County Hall.

The Trust could explore opportunities to become fully engaged in existing marketing

initiatives and partnerships including the One Big Garden57

campaign, which is run by

the South West Wales Tourism Partnership and with Tourism Swansea Bay58

, the

trade association for tourism businesses in Swansea. The opportunities for cross

referral with these businesses and other garden attractions in the region could be

explored and familiarisation visits to Penllergare arranged through Gallu and Tourism

Swansea Bay. Of course, the opportunities of working with nearby Swansea

Community Farm and Llys Nini RSPB animal rescue to build interest in all of these

North Swansea attractions could be explored. .

The Valley Woods website is a useful tool for interpretation and marketing and

appeals to a wide spectrum of interests. Given the focus of the work of the Trust upon

educating, training and engaging with the young, it would be worth considering testing

the design on the young and develop areas of the site to appeal to younger

audiences. Ideas of how to ‘youth-proof’ www.penllergare.org can be found by

reviewing the websites of other organisations59

.

The way people interact with websites is constantly evolving and charities that

know how to capture young people‟s attention have the edge in fundraising,

recruiting volunteers and gaining awareness and support.

Clare Davies, Volunteering Development Officer, Volunteering England

A range of appropriately designed pages for different audiences could be signposted

from the home page.

The website can be developed as a marketing tool for all sectors of the community.

One means is by encouraging other organisations to establish links to the Trust

website. One Big Garden and Tourism Swansea Bay have already been mentioned.

The possibility of promoting the site via Visit Swansea Bay, the Council’s tourism

marketing initiative could also be explored. There are a number of forestry sites that

could also provide links to the Trust’s site including

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods; the Community Woodland network which

advertises woodland events, www.yourwoods.org.uk and Coed Lleol’s website which

contains a guide to accessible woodlands throughout Wales.

The Gateway Gardens Trust arranges trips to historic parks and gardens for members

of the community who find visiting difficult owing to lack of money, lack of transport and

lack of mobility. The Trust could also consider working with this organisation and

establishing a link from their website60

.

In turn, the Trust could link to other sites, which have particular resonance with the

main themes and values of Penllergare and offer their site visitors the opportunity to

explore other sites and photographic archives that link with the story of Penllergare:

the Lacock Museum; to www.foxtalbot.dmu.ac.uk, to www.swanseaheritage.net the

City and County of Swansea site which contains a wide range of pictures on Valley

Woods and has ‘Pioneering Photography’ and ‘Swansea Ceramics’ as two of its main

themes and the National Library of Wales, www.llgc.org.uk which also includes

relevant archive materials.

57

www.onebiggarden.com 58

www.tourismswansea.co.uk 59

See a local example at www.downtoearthproject.org.uk - overall winners of the recent Sustainable

Swansea Awards 60

www.gatewaygardenstrust.org


http://www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods

http://www.yourwoods.org.uk/

http://www.foxtalbot.dmu.ac.uk/

http://www.swanseaheritage.net/

http://www.llgc.org.uk/

http://www.onebiggarden.com/

http://www.tourismswansea.co.uk/

http://www.downtoearthproject.org.uk/

http://www.gatewaygardenstrust.org/


The website address could be promoted prominently in all posters, signs, maps and

leaflets to encourage access. Invitation to donate funds to the project could appear on

the first page (see the Aberglasney and National Botanic Garden websites). Also the

website could be configured such that regardless of spelling – Penllergare or

Penllergaer – when using a search engine, the Trust’s website appears on the first

page of hits. The Trust might also consider changing the ‘label’ which appears on the

list of hits from ‘The Penllergare Trust’, as the project develops and Valley Woods

gains a stronger identity.

The Trust could explore opportunities for obtaining funding for website development

and training for volunteers to frequently update the site. Website workshops organised

by Gallu or local colleges could be identified.

Bilingual documents or pages could be introduced to the site in this early stage of the

project rather than full navigation in English and Welsh. For the website and other

materials, local Welsh speakers, perhaps members of the Friends, could be identified

who have the required skills for translation.

Research and Consultation

A programme of ongoing user (visitor survey) and non-user research needs to be

implemented as a matter of priority in order to identify those sectors of the local

community who are not currently engaged and to gauge visitor satisfaction with

various aspects of site development and management. The opportunity to regularly

consult with young people and disability groups in developing interpretive materials

and on site facilities could be prioritised. A system for counting visitors could also be

devised whether through the installation of counting devices or undertaking regular

and systematic counts at key locations or main gateways. Volunteers can run these

consultations and surveys and staff training in consultation techniques will help to

develop appropriate research approaches. Programmes are available through

Participation Cymru61

.

4.7 Community Engagement

The Trust could become fully integrated into the wide range of existing networks and

take advantage of the useful informal working partnerships that arise from this

approach. Penllergare might be used as focus for a range of community learning

activities for groups of all ages; from the informal social outings to family and older

people’s activities. Certainly the opportunity to include family activities during

weekends and school holidays arose during consultations for this report. The potential

for development of a Forest School specifically tailored to Penllergare is an intention of

the Trust. However, the existing Forest School could be regarded as an informal

partner for delivering challenging activities for young people living in neighbouring

communities.

In order to encourage access to Valley Woods for the elderly, disabled and ethnic

minority groups and to identify their needs and interests, the Trust could establish

close working relationships with statutory and voluntary organisations and groups

specialising in these sectors of the community including, for example, the 50 plus

officer at the City and County of Swansea, the Swansea Disability Forum and a

number of ethnic minority groups62

.

61

www.participationcymru.org.uk 62 Including, for example, the Chinese Community Cooperative Centre [email protected],

Swansea Bay Asylum Seeker Support Group, Displaced People in Action ( run by an Indian ex-forester) [email protected], SWARM [email protected], Minority Ethnic Women’s Network [email protected], Swansea Interfaith Forum – [email protected], EYST Ethnic Youth Support Team [email protected]

http://www.participationcymru.org.uk/








The outreach programme of community talks is a particularly useful way of increasing

community involvement and awareness of Valley Woods and could be extended

focusing initially on groups in neighbouring communities. To extend the guided walks

and outreach programmes more full or part time staff could be appointed or volunteers

trained in interpretation and guiding techniques. The consultations revealed a number

of additional opportunities for outreach and community engagement:

o Establish trails for family learning to appeal to social/family motivations to visit

o Work with the community in designing signs and establishing the best places

for installing them

o The Trust to be represented at local and Swansea wide events including

Portmead’s National Play Day and the annual Swansea Show

o Run inter-schools competitions – orienteering and treasure hunts

o Build relationships with a wide range of local organisations and clubs

o Empower and encourage the Friends to apply for small grants for small

projects and events – Open Walking Week, Fun Day

o Introduce a junior park ranger scheme or work with existing groups via the

City and County of Swansea

o Organise local litter picks through the Friends

o Work with the detached youth workers to build seating for example

o Develop a summer programme of events for children and young people

o Offer the site as a venue for the annual Gower Walking Festival (June)

o Develop a database of people interested in the site and email them with

information on seasonal and project changes.

o Organise joint events with the Community Farm

o Establish contact with the Communities Officer in the Environment Centre,

Swansea

4.8 Volunteering

Volunteering is recognised as a pathway to improving or learning new skills and a

route to qualifications and increasing employment potential63

A well-managed

volunteer programme that aims to support and train volunteers and to make

volunteering a rewarding and valuable learning experience offers opportunities to

engage with those people who might not naturally visit Valley Woods and to

encourage unemployed people into the workforce, into training and education.

The Trust has clearly identified volunteers as playing a key role in all aspects of site

management and development; essential to the viability of the project and contributing

to revenue sustainability. Indeed, the Trust’s Draft Conservation Plan says that, „The

commitment, skills and time contributed by volunteers will be indispensable to the

viability of the project and recognised in their management and training‟. The Trust

aims to recruit mainly local volunteers who will be managed and trained in accordance

with current best practice with duties to include:

o Ecological, landscape and visitor surveys

o Conservation tasks including vegetation clearance and habitat enhancement

o Horticulture, particularly in the restored kitchen gardens

63

Future Skills Wales 2003 Generic Skills Survey


o Wardening, including monitoring the condition of paths and structures, as well

as a deterrent against vandalism or other anti-social behaviour

o Site maintenance, including path and waterway works

o Interpretation projects and guiding visitors

o Administration, e.g. office work and staffing the visitor centre

o Fund-raising (through the Friends of Penllergare Valley Woods)

Over 250 people have expressed an interest in volunteering at Valley Woods.

However, until now, the lack of supervision and training has hampered their

involvement.

Training to support these roles will be necessary and will have the added value of

making volunteers feel valued.

In addition to identifying a core of people from those already expressing an interest in

becoming involved, the Trust could engage with a range of organisations experienced

in working with volunteers including, for example, BTCV, Fairbridge, the Youth

Offending Team, the SCVS Young Volunteer Coordinator and organisations working

with asylum seekers. Guidelines available through Goldstar64

could be used to

encourage volunteers from socially excluded groups.

Local craftspeople with experience of working with volunteers and with expertise in

woodland and traditional crafts including fence building, dry stone walling, cob building,

paving, gate making and wood carving could be engaged in volunteer projects on site.

A Young Volunteers club could be established along with a system of rewards for

volunteers in the form of special events or trips and involvement in National Volunteers

Week.

4.9 Training

4.9.1 Training to support implementation of the Conservation Management

Plan

As a result of this element of the training programme, woodland management

operations and other practical works proposed in the Conservation Management Plan

would be carried out in a sensitive way. The training would be aimed at anyone

involved in commissioning and carrying out practical works. Conservation work could

be carried out to the highest environmental standards:

1. Through the small staff team

2. By contractors employed on a number of discrete contracts

In addition, volunteers will be involved in practical conservation work and will need to

be engaged in this element of the training. Volunteer training would be either via

partner organisations (e.g BTCV) or via professional staff trained for the purpose. The

training of volunteers overlaps with proposals at 4.9.3 below.

Development of the project will create a wide range of training opportunities including:

64 www.goldstar.org.uk The GoldStar Project is designed to encourage and enable voluntary organisations

and projects throughout England to realise the potential of volunteers, mentors and befreinders from socially excluded groups. Our aim is to promote and share good practice used in engaging people from these groups giving them the opportunity to enrich their own and other peoples’ lives.

http://www.goldstar.org.uk/


training seminars and site visits to other woodlands managed to high

environmental standards

high level skills training on the job for key heritage skills (eg. lime mortar

pointing, masonry, lake restoration, bridge reconstruction) through contract

preliminaries requiring apprenticeships

horticultural skills training within the walled garden up to NVQ level 3 as part

of the restoration works and long term management works

work placements, C2E, and other opportunities during the project works

long-term woodland skills training, by training up woodland staff as trainers,

including tree planting, chainsaw training

long-term opportunities for special needs training within the walled gardens in

partnership with local college(s)

work placement opportunities for students seeking real experiences and

projects as part of their studies

4.9.2 Training to support implementation of the Audience and Access

Development Plan

As a result of this element of the training plan, the Trust and partners will be able to

deliver the proposals identified in the Access and Audience Development Plan. In

particular, staff and volunteers will be able to ensure information and activities are

physically, intellectually and culturally inclusive. Those to be trained will be staff and

volunteers with a day-to-day site management role.

Once the scope of the activity to be delivered by the AADP is agreed, a detailed needs

analysis of the four new members of staff to be appointed will need to be undertaken.

It is likely that the following training will be required:

o First Aid

o Health and Safety

o Risk Assessments

o Disability Awareness

o Working with priority groups including elderly people, ethnic minorities, low-

income families and young peopl.

o Customer Care and communication skills

o IT courses including, for example, publisher programmes for developing

accessible signage, panels and print

o Optimising website for search engines

o Guiding techniques

o Train the trainer programmes

o Evaluation and monitoring of visitor numbers, enjoyment and understanding

o Training in event organisation

Volunteers will be involved in the training as well as staff and training will be delivered

to them via professionals with a volunteer remit or by arranging courses for staff and

volunteers together through a training provider arranged, for example, through Gallu,

or local FE colleges.


4.9.3 Training to capitalise on Penllergare Valley Woods as a

training/community resource

This would enable a wide range of people to become strongly engaged with Valley

Woods while opening up opportunities for them to develop new skills relating to, for

example, conservation, woodland crafts or environmental art. An additional benefit will

be in the development of working relationships between the Trust and other

organisations and stakeholders both from the local area and amongst priority groups.

Those involved in the training would include:

o Students on programmes of study at local schools, colleges and universities

o Individuals hoping to develop a career linked to woodland crafts or woodland

management

o Others interested in developing a range of heritage skills including those from

local communities and priority groups

These activities could involve:

o A Modern Apprenticeship in woodland management managed by a specialist

training organisation.

o OCNs in conservation, woodland management and horticulture can be

offered to volunteers by the Trust working in partnership with training

providers (BTCV, Penderry Innovations, FE Colleges)

o Making Valley Woods available as a training resource to other users

(Universities, Colleges, Secondary Schools etc).

o Short term work experience placements for local schools.

In order for the programme to succeed it will be necessary for staff to respond

positively to requests and seek out opportunities to work with community and other

groups. The Trust could consider appointing an individual to pursue community and

partnership opportunities, develop new ideas and help raise funds for delivery. This

might be a short pilot project in the first instance.

The Walled Garden offers considerable opportunities for education and training. In

particular the Historic Gardens Bursary schemes operated by the RHS and HLF could

be deployed. The Walled Garden could also be used as a venue for a series of master

classes and workshops.


Chapter

5

Access, Audience Development and

Training Plan

5.1 Introduction

This section summarises the actions proposed identifying the barriers to be overcome, the potential

partners to be involved and estimated costs. These are arranged to reflect the main headings used

in Chapter 4. More detail in this action plan will be incorporated over the coming months. Priorities

are identified in this way:

1 – Immediate

2 – Medium term

3 – Longer term

5.2 Education and Life Long Learning

Barrier Action Partners Priority Resources

2.1 Organisational: Low awareness of site

Actively engage with a higher number of primary schools focusing upon those within neighbouring communities and delivering the primary education programme to them

Primary Schools

1

2.2 Intellectual Work with primary school teachers to identify new programmes of study and develop teaching resources relevant to the new national curriculum.

Primary Schools

1 Day release for teachers – say three teachers over 3 days @ £100 a day (to cover cost of teaching assistants):

£!,000

2.3 Organisational: Low awareness of site

Actively engage with local secondary schools and further education colleges to encourage use of Valley Woods as a resource for teaching and for practical skills development.

Secondary Schools

Colleges of FE

1

2.4 Intellectual Build and equip an education centre complete with classroom for 60, toilets and teaching aids and resources. Ensure that good environmental design principles are incorporated.

SMU 1

£30,000

2.5 Financial Consider developing a transport scheme to assist schools in accessing Valley Woods.

2

2.6 Intellectual Encourage local universities and colleges of higher education to develop modules for field study and work in partnership to undertake practical projects for the mutual benefit of students, staff and Valley Woods.

Secondary Schools

Colleges of FE

SMU

U of S

1

2.7 Organisational

Social

Develop programmes of activity for young people outside of formal education and where possible accredit participation hours through

CCS Youth Service

2


the Children’s University and Youth University scheme

2.8 Intellectual Engage with and consult young people throughout the process of site development.

BPP

Young People’s Partnership

CCS Youth Service

1

2.9 Organisational Ensure that Penllergare takes full advantage of networking opportunities in Swansea and becomes recognised as an important site for outdoor learning.

SEEF

SEF

Sustainability Trail

Environment Centre

CCS

1

2.10 Awareness

Intellectual

Work with partners to deliver recreational LLL courses and workshops in subjects which reinforce the values and identity of the site and which also offer valuable and enjoyable opportunities for learning.

Local crafts people

Gorseinon College

University of Swansea

SMU

2

2.11 Awareness

Intellectual

Organise a programme of weekend and summer holiday activities for families. Involve volunteers and train where necessary.

SCC – Play Fund

Police funding

2

5.3 Health and Wellbeing


3.1 Physical

Social

Establish and promote a programme of healthy walks targeting people living in neighbouring communities. Train volunteers to lead these walks.

Let’s Walk Cymru

Health Force – lottery funding

Sports Lot Community Chest

2

3.2 Intellectual Arrange familiarisation trips for staff to other woodland sites and access websites to gather useful ideas and advice on effective health initiatives including workshops, activities and events.

Tir Coed

FCW

Coed Lleol

Woodland Trust

1 Six members of staff on 2 days of familiarisation trips:

£300

3.3 Organisational Encourage local groups and organisations already established and providing health walks to visit Valley Woods.

Get Gorseinon Going

Mentro Allan

CCS

1

3.4 Organisational Support CCS in the planned lunchtime activities programme for employees at Penllergaer Civic Centre and develop themed lunchtime walks to complement these activities.

CCS 1

3.5 Social and cultural

Consider establishing a Green Gym in Penllergare recruiting participants from neighbouring communities.

BTCV

Health Force

2

3.6 Physical Access

Circulate detailed information on accessible routes, parking, public transport and other access and facilities information to disabled groups. Work with disabled people to develop information and related maps.

Disability Forum

3

3.7 Social and Cultural

Establish working partnerships with organisations offering therapeutic courses in, for example, woodland craft and arts for disengaged youth and mental health service

The Green Art Studio

Down to Earth

3


users. Gwendraeth Training

Graybeards Wood

5.4 Physical Access

See the Conservation Management Plan for more proposals for physical access.


4.1 Physical Assign a single member of staff with overall responsibility for physical access issues including training in access awareness.

1

4.2 Physical Establish a hierarchy of paths and accessible circular routes of different lengths with acceptable surface standards to cater for all abilities.

1

4.3 Physical Consider the construction of a dedicated cycle route through and around the park with supporting information encouraging responsible behaviour and restricting access to some areas.

3

4.4 Physical Identify a main gateway and welcome to the site with car parking including 4-6% disabled spaces.

2

4.5 Physical Establish seating throughout the site particularly on routes to the car park, on steep slopes and at viewpoints. All seating to be constructed by volunteers from natural materials found on site (wood and stone).

2

4.6 Physical Improve on-site way marking to give clearer direction to site users. Align the colour coding system to that used in Swansea parks to denote grade of difficulty.

SCC 2

4.7 Physical

Financial

Promote use of public transport to Valley Woods particularly from Swansea Quadrant and Gorseinon Bus Stations and to communities en route to Valley Woods.

SCC

Bus companies

1

4.8 Physical Explore the potential to link Valley Woods through physical links or interpretation to existing routes – Gower Way and Sustrans Route 4. Also explore the potential of working with Swansea Community Farm to establish a walking route across Cadle Heath to link the two sites.

Gower Society

Sustrans


3

5.5 Visitor Interpretation and Information



Develop an Interpretation Plan and ensure that major themes identified in the Conservation Management Plan underlie all visitor interpretation in order to build identity and sense of place.

Herian 2


Design information boards at entrances to contain information encouraging responsible use of the site including control of dogs and litter; explanations for restrictions on vehicle, cycle and horse access. The website and any necessary safety information including emergency phone numbers could also be presented.

1

£1,000


Boards advertising a programme of forthcoming events (guided walks, family activities, picnics etc) could be posted at all entrances.

1

£300

5.4 Physical Encourage access to Valley Woods by bus by providing clear but detailed and accurate information on all leaflets, guides, signs, advertisements and website. Taxi

1


phone numbers could also be available.

5.5 Intellectual Develop a programme of LLL events and workshops that build sense of place and identity featuring main themes and values of the site – photography, wildlife/birds, horticulture etc.

3

5.6 Physical Develop, print and distribute detailed map showing distances of routes, gradients, calories burnt on route, grades of difficulty, location of seats, toilets and safe parking, key landscape and heritage features. Involve user groups, including disability groups in the design.

PVW Forum

Disability Forum

SAFE

SCC

SCVS

1

£1,000

5.7 Intellectual Consider the location of a few discrete on site panels or boards constructed from robust and sustainable materials at key points throughout the site. These could be located to minimise visual impact.

2

£2,000

5.8 Physical

Social

Increase the number of guided themed walks and introduce a regular programme. Train volunteers as interpretive guides.

Gallu 2

5.9 Sensory

Intellectual

Physical

Develop a range of themed self-guided walks with associated guides and maps. Ensure that all materials are developed in association with people representing various disabilities to ensure that all materials are accessible.

Disability Forum

SAFE

SCC

SCVS

2

£2,000

5.10 Sensory Plan a range of activities and facilities to encourage those with sensory disabilities to enjoy the site. Develop guided sensory tours and routes for unsighted users and consider providing information in Braille and audio formats. Also consider providing hearing loops to guides.

Disability Forum

3

5.11 Intellectual

Social and cultural

Consider building a visitor centre in the long term, perhaps incorporating education facilities, to act as focal point for on-site interpretation, shop, café etc. Ensure that the building confirms to best practice in environmental design principles. See buildings in woodlands elsewhere as examples.

SMU 3

£200,000

5.12 Intellectual Enhance the website by guiding visitors via links to other sites that resonate with the values of Penllergare.

National Library of Wales

Lacock Museum

CCS

Swansea University

National Botanic Garden of Wales

Etc

1

5.13 Intellectual

Sensory

Consider audio guides and mobile phone interpretation

3

5.6 Brand Identity, Marketing and Advertising



Develop a Marketing Plan to prioritise the range of activities. Priority should be given to the immediately surrounding communities to raise awareness of Valley Woods.

1



Organisational

Intellectual

Work with a designer to develop guidelines for the presentation of a distinct and consistent image and identity of Penllergare to all audiences through printed materials, stationery, website etc. Design a logo to reflect site values, bearing in mind the focus upon Penllergare for youth activities, training and education.

3

£5,000


Consult with local children and young people to ‘youth-proof’ the website.

2

6.4 Organisational Develop the website as a marketing tool by establishing links with other organisations and training staff in how to maximise its marketing potential.

CCS

Gallu

1


Promote the site, walking routes, healthy and themed walking programmes and other events through a suite of leaflets available at key locations within local communities (community centres, churches/chapels, doctors surgeries etc) and in Swansea at the TIC and other locations including the Waterfront Museum, the L2C, and the library.

Let’s Walk Cymru

Awards for All Wales

1 Yearly budget for leaflet design, production and print: and distribution

£4,000

6.6 Sensory Ensure that all materials are designed in easy to read formats or are available to download from the website.

Disability Forum

SAFE

SCVS

1


Produce all printed materials and pages on the website bilingually: English/Welsh

WLB 2 Grants available from the WLB


Promote the site through the publications and websites of existing local organisations.

Sustainable Swansea

Environment Centre

SEEF

Disability Forum

Gateway Gardens Trust

1


Establish cross marketing arrangements with local attractions, particularly those in gardens and heritage sectors.

NBGW

Aberglasney

Margam Park

Gnoll Park

Afan Forest Park

National Waterfront Museum


Llys Nini

3

6.10 Organisational Promote Valley Woods to existing walking groups and societies.

Gower Society

Ramblers

Swansea Orienteering Club

1

6.11 Intellectual Establish working relationships with a wide range of community organisations including hard to reach groups: disability, youth and BME and consult them to establish suitable activities to encourage visits to Valley Woods. Ensure that these organisations have access to information (leaflets, maps and guides) to allow them to pre-plan their visits.

Disability Forum

BME groups

1


6.12 Organisational Become fully engaged in tourism marketing within Swansea and the sub region by joining Tourism Swansea Bay and exploring the potential for marketing Valley Woods through Visit Swansea Bay. Become involved in the One Big Garden initiative.

Tourism Swansea Bay

Visit Swansea Bay

2

£500

6.13 Organisational Capture email contact information (with permission) of visitors and people interested in Valley Woods and send an email newsletter at, say, quarterly intervals to inform of progress of the project, forthcoming events and seasonal highlights.

2

6.14 Organisational Initiate a programme of positive PR for the Trust. For example, work with the press and local radio stations (Swansea Sound, Radio Tircoed) to promote the work of the Trust and the developing project and organise exhibitions of photographic or art competition winners in key sites within Swansea.

Evening Post

Swansea Sound

1

6.15 Organisational Host familiarisation visits to the site for local tourist businesses.

Gallu

Tourism Swansea Bay

2

5.7 Community Engagement


7.1 Organisational Develop working relationships with a wide range of organisations – both local and national - and take advantage of the supportive networks and partnerships that will arise from this approach.

1

7.2 Organisational Encourage use of Valley Woods by a wide range of existing users and organisations representing a variety of interests: outdoor pursuits (walking, orienteering), specialist interest (bird watching, botany) minority interests (ethnic groups, disability groups).

1


Intellectual

Continue the outreach programme of community talks to raise awareness of Valley Woods.

1

7.4 Intellectual Develop a family learning trail and sustainability trail to encourage social / family motivations to visit.

SMU 2

7.5 Organisational Institute a programme of ongoing user and non-user research and consultation to include on-site visitor counts and satisfaction surveys and consultations with community groups and organisations including representatives of the disability, youth and BME communities. Volunteers and staff can be trained to undertake these programmes of research.

Participation Cymru

PVW Forum

1

7.6 Organisational Appear in local and Swansea wide events to promote the Trust and engage with local communities.

CCS

BPP

2


Encourage and empower the Friends to apply for small grants to run projects and events and to arrange on site maintenance and litter picks.

Friends of Penllergare

2


Engage with all local Development Trust and Communities First organisations to develop opportunities for social enterprises, volunteering and training opportunities.

GDT

MDT

BPP

1


5.8 Volunteering

Barrier Action Partners Priorities Resources

8.1 Organisational Recruit and train volunteers in a range of roles from administration to surveys and land based works and improvements.

1

8.2 Physical Involve volunteers in the construction of seating, signs and shelters from natural materials found on site.

1

8.3 Organisational Engage with organisations and individuals with expertise in working with and training volunteers and identify a range of projects for them to undertake. See Training below

BTCV

Down to Earth

Fairbridge

SCVS

1

8.4 Organisational Use guidelines available to encourage volunteers from socially excluded groups.

Goldstar 1

8.5 Organisational Establish a young volunteers club 3

5.9 Training

Barrier Action Partners Priorities Resources

9.1 Organisational Once all new staff are in place carry out skills audit and training need for these individuals.

1

9.2 Intellectual Institute programmes of training in conservation skills for people aged 15 and over to achieve OCN accreditation.

BTCV

Gorseinon College

Penderry Innovations

1

9.3 Organisational

Social

Identify practical projects and involve a wide range of organisations working with young people and unemployed people in skill building.

Princes Trust

Fairbridge

Youth Offending Team

SPARK Blaenymaes

SMU

Association for Real Change

1

9.4 Intellectual Establish contact with other organisations offering woodland training and enterprise opportunities. Organise familiarisation visits and gather advice, information. Work with these organisations to deliver on site training to volunteers and staff.

Tir Coed

FCW

Coed Lleol

Woodland Trust

3


Run high level skills training for key heritage skills in e.g. lime mortar pointing, masonry, lake restoration, bridge construction etc., horticulture.

3 Annual budget for attendance at short courses: 5 people at £300:

£1,500

9.6 Intellectual Run train the trainer programmes for woodland staff in, for example, chainsaw handling and tree planting.

BTCV 1

9.7 Organisational Engage local colleges to run special needs training within the walled gardens.

Coleg Sirgar 3

9.8 Intellectual Consider Modern Apprenticeships in Horticulture and Woodland Management.

3

9.9 Organisational Make Valley Woods available as a training resource to other users

2


including the Youth Offending Team, Probation service, Cadets, Youth Clubs etc.

9.10 Intellectual Encourage short-term work experience placements for local schools.

2

9.11 Organisational Consider a temporary appointment of an individual for a pilot project to pursue community and partnership opportunities, develop new ideas and help raise funds for delivery.

1 30 days at £250 =

£7,500


Sensory

Intellectual

Train staff and volunteers in guiding and presentation techniques

2 Training of guides – say 5 per year @ £60 =

£300

9.13 Organisational

Intellectual

Social and Cultural

Arrange courses for staff and volunteers in a range of disciplines including Customer Care, Health and Safety, Disability Awareness, Risk Assessments, First Aid, IT and website development and consultation and survey techniques

Gallu

Participation Wales

1 Assume 20 training days per year at £60 per day

£1,200


Appendix 1

Consultees

Adrian Bailey, Rural Officer Swansea Council for Voluntary

Service

Ian Beynon, Development and Outreach Manager, Parks City and County of Swansea

Yvonne Burgis, Strategic Manager for Children and City and County of Swansea

Young People Services

Brendan Campbell and Charles Peck Swansea Access for Everyone

Keith Clements, Volunteer Warden Penllergare Trust

Mike Cherry, Manager Black Environment Network,

Swansea

Maggie Conley, Community Development Worker BPP Communities First

Mike Cullis, School of Built and Natural Environment Swansea Metropolitan University

Iwan Davies, Head of Culture and Tourism City and County of Swansea

John Davies Baytrans Partnership

Sue Davies-Lowe, ASDAN Pontarddulais Secondary School

Lowri Edwards Gallu

Jennie Eyers, Education and Outreach Officer Penllergare Trust

Cllr Wendy Fitzgerald, Ward Councillor, Penllergaer City and County of Swansea

Awi Frances Forest School

Gerald Gabb, Education Officer, Swansea Museum City and County of Swansea

Sergio Garate, School of Built and Natural Environment Swansea Metropolitan University

Helen Grey Sustainable Swansea

Anita Houten Swansea Environmental Education

Forum

Rhian Jenkins, School of Built and Natural Environment Swansea Metropolitan University

Debbie Jones, Life Long Learning BPP Communities First

Kelvin Jones, Manager and Carl Britain Gorseinon Development Trust

Ryan Keenan BTCV, Swansea

Graham Lewis, Head Teacher Penllergaer Primary School

Jocelyn Lewis SPARK

Nerys Lewis, Development Officer, Tourism City and County of Swansea

Kari Lucas, Fundraising and Promotions Manager Swansea Community Farm

Clare Moseley, Heritage Tourism Development Manager Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments

Michael Norman, Project Manager Penllergare Trust

Ann Owen, Head Teacher Llanmorlais Primary School

Owen Pillai, Chief Executive SPARK


Ioan Richards, Youth Worker SPARK

Malcolm Ridge, Chair Gower Society

Nicola Rogers, Physical Activity Officer City and County of Swansea

Linda Rudd, School of Built and Natural Environment Swansea Metropolitan University

Ruth Taylor-Davies Herian

Phil Westcott SPARK

Paul Whapham, Physical Activity Officer City and County of Swansea

Dai Whitelock, Simon Page, Graham Dicks Woodlands Management Team

Kelvin Williams, Head Teacher Portmead Primary School

Michelle Woods, Head of Biology Pontarddulais Secondary School

Deb Vine, Head of Environmental Science Gorseinon College

Penllergare Valley Woods Forum

A meeting comprising ten members of the Forum was held specifically to discuss the AADTP on

Tuesday 6 May.

Visitor Survey

To date 25 semi-structured interviews with visitors to Valley Woods on the following dates: 10, 11

and 12 April, 3 May, 5 May (See Appendix 2)

Friends Survey

A short questionnaire was posted to all Friends (187 addresses) by Jennie Eyers in April. 55

responses were received; a response rate of 29% (See Appendix 3)


Appendix 2

Visitor Survey 2008

Estimated Visitor Counts

This survey was conducted face to face on site by one interviewer using a semi-structured format.

The same person counted all visitors seen whilst on site. As the site is extensive, it is highly unlikely

that all visitors to the whole area were counted during the survey periods in question. The

interviewer walked around during the period on site and interviewed as many people as possible:

one person per group or couple. The weather on all of these days was dry and fine.

The interviews and counts took place as follows:

Table A2.1: Survey interviews and visitor counts

Date

Number of

interviews

achieved

Number of

visitors counted

Time on site Additional information

Thursday 10.4.08 1 2 10 – 11.30am -

Friday 11.4.08 1 3 10 – 11.30am -

Saturday 12.4.08 6 21 2.30 – 4pm -

Saturday 3.5.08 6 31 1.15 – 3.45pm -

Bank Holiday Monday 5.5.08

11 61 1.15-4.30pm Includes 3 small motor cycles -

east of Llan by Waterfall

A more systematic methodology could be devised for future surveys to simultaneously cover

different survey/count points over a number of days and during different seasons. An exit survey

with interviewers positioned at all main entrances is recommended.

Based on the survey, on-site observation and anecdotal evidence the following estimates (Table

A2:2) of current levels of visitation have been calculated. This analysis shows that something in the

order of 16,000 to 18,000 visits are currently made to Valley Woods per year.


Table A2.2: Estimated visits to Valley Woods – October 2007 to September 2008

Note: Since these counts were conducted in Spring 2008, a number of articles in the local

press about Penllergare Valley Woods have stimulated a noticeable uplift in the number

of visitors. This estimate is likely, therefore, to be conservative.

Oct/Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar Av per day

Weekday - morning 3 15 (x 5 days)

Weekday - afternoon 12 60 (x 5 days)

Saturday morning 10 10

Saturday afternoon 25 25

Sunday morning 15 15

Sunday afternoon 30 30

Per week 155 4,030 (26 weeks)

Apr/May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sept Av per day

Weekday morning 6 30 (x 5 days)

Weekday afternoon 15 75 (x 5 days)

Weekday evening 10 50 (x 5 days)

Saturday morning 15 15

Saturday afternoon 40 40

Saturday evening 15 15

Sunday morning 20 20

Sunday afternoon 50 50

Sunday evening 15 15


School hols- weekday morning 10 50

School hols- weekday afternoon 35 175

School hols- weekday evening 15 75

School hols- Sat morning 20 20

School hols- Sat afternoon 60 60

School hols- Sat evening 20 20

School hols- Sun morning 25 25

School hols- Sun afternoon 60 60

School hols- Sun evening 20 20


In addition to above:

Bank holiday mon - morning 20 80 (x 4 days)

Bank holiday mon- afternoon 45 180 (x 4 days)

Bank holidays mon- evening 15 60 (x 4 days)

320 320

Swansea CC from July 08

Weekday visits 35 175 (x 5 days )

2,275 (13 weeks)

Schools programme 270

Guided walks 240

Total for Year 16,950

73

Date: ________________ Time: _________ Location: _______________________________

There were 25 respondents to the survey – all figures here are numbers – not percentages. 1 How did you travel to Valley Woods today? Car/van 15

(Circle one answer) Public Transport 0

Bicycle 1

Walk 9

Other (please write in) 0

2 Is this your first visit to Valley Woods? Yes 1 No 24

3a IF NO … How often do you usually visit? Twice a day 2

(Circle the closest answer) Daily 2

2-3 times a week 11

1-5 times a month 6

1-5 times a year 3

Other (please write in)

3b What time of year do you normally visit? All year 14

Spring and summer 3

Summer 2

3c What days of the week? Weekend 7

Weekends in winter 1

Summer – anytime 2

Varies 2

Every day 1

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 1

3d What time of the day? Afternoons 8

Evenings 2

Mornings 1

Depends on shiftwork 1

Camping overnight 1

Varies 2

4 Which entrance did you use today? Swansea C&C Car Park 8

(Circle one answer only) Midway Café (A48) 8

Parc Penllergaer 2

Cadle 5

Bardsey Ave 1

Penllergare Valley Woods – Visitor Survey 2008

Good morning/afternoon – my name is ……………….. on behalf of Penllergare Trust. We are undertaking a

survey to see who visits the woods these days and to see what they think of the site and how it can be

improved in future. Can I ask you some questions please? Everything you say will be confidential.

74


Walled Garden

5 How long do you think you will spend here today? half an hour or less 2

(Circle one answer only) 1-2 hours 13

2-3 hours 8

4 hours or more 1

2 days and nights (camping) 1

6 How did you find out about Valley Woods? I live locally 18

(circle one answer only) Word of mouth 4

Newspaper 0

By chance 1

Internet 1


Google Earth

7 Why do you visit Valley Woods? What do you normally do when you are here?

Exercise 8

Walk the dog 16

Take the children to play there 6

Spend time with friends there 1

Cycle 3

Horse-riding 0

Fishing 4

Look at plants and enjoy the scenery 7

Relax - peace and quiet 9

Group outings 1

Observe wildlife 8

Other (please explain)

Fun in the waterfall

Adventure

To pray

Picnic

Camping

8 Which part of Valley Woods do you normally visit?

Upper Valley .......................... 2

Lower Valley .......................... 0

About the same ................... 22

9 Do you have a favourite area within Valley Woods? What is it and why?

Waterfall 7

I like it all 7

River/river walks 5

Lower lake area 4

Bluebell Woods 2

75

Mine shafts – no one goes up there 2

I like the variety 2

Upper lake 2

Lock – swimming – we’ve been going there for years 1

Towards Bluebell Woods on the East side 1

Open areas 1

Being in the woods; the rhododendrons and trees 1

Above upper lake 1

North part – African trees good to see 1

10 Do you have a least favourite area? What is it and why?

No/it’s all nice 11

Motorbikes – but they’ve stopped now 2

East side – burnt out cars still there 2

The new wooden bridge – too narrow for dog 1

Steep hills 1

Midway car parking – feels unsafe 1

Parc Penllergaer 1

Upper Lake – overgrown 1

11 Does anything ever put you off visiting Valley Woods? If so, what?

No 6

Motor bikes/quads – although police have put a stop to most 4

Dumped cars used to put me off 2

I wouldn’t come on my own (you never know who’s around) 2

I would come on my own if I had the dog with me 1

Some people wonder why I come here on my own 1

Amphibious vehicles – I saw them last Sunday 1

Lack of safe parking 1

Only the weather 1

Young people lighting fires 1

Dogs off the lead (unpredictable) 1

Car parking is unsafe at Midway – I am concerned about this 1

76

12 What sort of information would help you to enjoy your visits more?

(This can be e.g. access or safety information or it can be site interpretation e.g. history, botany, wildlife, trees etc). Let them say what they think it means and write answer in full.

History 6

Trust leaflets appreciated 5

I have the books 2

Personal contact with staff appreciated 2

It’ll all be on the website – it’s all there 1

Observatory 1

Wildlife/birds 1

Information for children 1

Information on wildlife for children 1

Children’s activities/events 1

More about the environment 1

Plants and wildlife 1

A bit of everything – a rounded view 1

Anything 1

13 What information media or events would help you to enjoy your visits more?

(Read out or show list and ask them to choose the top three).

Interpretive on-site panels/boards 15

Self-guide booklets 11

Leaflets 12

Portable audio guide 4

Interpretive map 12

Guided walks 9

Exhibition(s) 6

Other media or events (please write in) 5

A visitor centre with exhibits (2)

Identify landmarks – key features in some way (bridges, historical features, exotic trees, plants, flowers etc) (3)

14 What changes would improve your enjoyment of Valley Woods? (Walled Garden, lakes, visitor centre,

woodland centre, etc)

Seats at Nydfwch/river/lake 7

Picnic area 3

Repair of bridge by waterfall 3

Café/shop/visitor centre 3

Clear out upper lake 3

Circuit of tarmac path for cycles 2

Do up the old gardens 2

Needs to be compromise between being accessible and natural 2

People clearing up after their dogs 2

Playground for children 1

Camping area 1

Fun run 1

Bike ride event 1

77

Zipline or similar – enhances natural features and provides income 1

Prefer to keep it wild 1

Wide paths are accessible by motorbikes (negative factor) 1

Block paths so motorcycles can’t use them – “Motorbikes do your head in” 1

Less people – more animals 1

Wider footbridges accessible to all (disabled and pushchairs) 1

Workshops for children on wildlife and conservation 1

Maintain current standards 1

Bins by the waterfall or volunteers to keep litter free 1

Clean out lower lake and stock with more fish 1

Clear path from Bardsey Ave to woods 1

Make clearer boundaries with private land 1

It’s cleaned up more and burnt out cars are gone 1

Clear pathway on other side of lake 1

Difficult with pushchair – Sapper Bridge is locked 1

Need more circular routes accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs 1

Dog bins and ordinary bins 1

More fish to catch 1

I like it as it is but it would be OK to see improvements 1

Events 1

Nature trails for children with guides providing information to follow 1

15 Any other comments you would like to make about Valley Woods?

Quiet – not overrun (5)

Not many people know about it. Needs to be advertised more (4)

I can let my dogs off – give them freedom – enjoy dog and surroundings.

It’s not too spoilt or commercialised. I like it the way it is

It’s relaxing

It’s a very enjoyable area to be in – lucky that it’s within a few miles of home

It’s really nice to have on the doorstep

It’s a great place to come

More signs for those who don’t know the woods

Fishing trips for kids should be arranged

I support anything to improve the woods

Since it’s been done up, I come more often – It’s more fun now for the kids because of the new paths. I love it. Bamboo tunnels are the best bit.

It doesn’t cost anything and is an adventure for the kids – they can run around freely. It’s free entertainment.

It’s well maintained – appreciate repair of bridges

I like the new walks they have made

Can’t fault the three workmen – they are sensitive to the woods

Primroses and bluebells are good

More and more people are using the woods since the paths have been opened up. I’m worried about the maintenance costs and about people stealing plants.

Some of the trees on the top path are growing at an angle – a health and safety issue.

Sometimes it’s really difficult to unwind but this really does the trick – it’s therapeutic

The tranquillity is great. You can’t beat it.

It’s nice to get away from the traffic.

78

I like it – it’s the best place I’ve found since coming to Swansea.

16 Do you have access to the internet? Yes 20 No 5

17 Have you visited the Valley Woods Website – www.penllergare.org? Yes 7 No 13

18 IF YES. What changes or additions would you like to see on the website?

It’s OK – there’s plenty of information. I wanted to find out who owned the estate and it was all there

It’s good – any further information would be welcome

Very helpful at the moment

I’D JUST LIKE TO FINISH BY ASKING ABOUT YOU AS WE ARE INTERESTED IN WHO IS VISITING THE SITE.

19 Where do you live?

If in Swansea, which area?

Parc Penllergaer 4

Penllergaer 3

Portmead 3

Blaenymaes 2

Fforestfach 2

Cockett 1

Gendros 1

Gorseinon 1

Gowerton 1

Llangyfelach 1

Morriston 1

Penlan 1

Pontarddulais 1

Sketty 1

If not in Swansea, in which town/city or nearest town/city? Cardiff 1

Holland 1

20 Are you visiting with anyone else today? Yes 15 No 10

21 If yes, who are you with? Partner/husband/wife 3

(Code by circling one answer) Friends 3

Family group with children under 16 7

Other family group 2


Are you: Male 16 Age:

Female 9 15 or under 0

Registered Disabled: 16 – 24 2

Yes 0 25 - 34 11

No 25 35 – 44 3 Employment Status: 45 – 54 6

Full time employee 11 55 – 64 1

Part time employee 4 65+ 2

Self employed 1 Ethnic Origin:


79

Unemployed 4 White/European 23

Full time student 2 African 1

Retired 2 Indian 0

Looking after home/family (fulltime)

1 Chinese 1

Permanently sick/disabled 0 Other (please specify) 0

Longstanding illness/infirmity 0

Other (please specify) 0

.

22 Would you be interested in …? (Please circle answer[s] that apply)

Becoming a volunteer 5

Joining the User Forum 4

Becoming a Friend of PVW 6

Receiving information about PVW 7

23 If yes, collect contact details

Name: .........................................................................................................................................

Phone Number: .....................................................................................................................................

Postal Address: ......................................................................................................................................

Email address: ............................................................................................................................................................

80

Appendix 3

Survey of Friends 2008

The Trust sent a short self-completion questionnaire to the Friends of Penllergare (187 addresses) along

with their newsletter in April 2008. Responses numbered 55 in total (29%). The results are presented on the

following pages.

81

Ymddiriedolaeth Penllergare VZJAssociates

The Penllergare Trust

Dear Friend of Penllergare Valley Woods April 2008

Have Your Say on the Future of Valley Woods

A bid is currently being prepared to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for major funding to carry out further

regeneration of Valley Woods.

As part of the bid, the HLF requires the Penllergare Trust to submit an Audience Development, Access and

Training Plan and VZJ Associates has been commissioned to produce this plan. Wide-ranging consultations must

take place to develop the plan and as a Friend of Penllergare Valley Woods, we value your feedback on the

following questions. Please complete and return to the address below or fax to 01792 390480 by Monday 12 May.

I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Vicki James VZJ Associates, Crud yr Awel, Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PL

2. How do you normally travel there? (Please circle your main mode of transport)

Car 84%

Public transport 2%

Bicycle 0%

Walk 10%

Other (please specify below)

2%

Jog

Overall 55 responses were received

3. How did you first find out about Valley Woods?

55 Responses

Live/brought up locally – 13

Longstanding knowledge / childhood memories - 11

Friends /Family – 10

Trust Outreach / Education / Communication Activities – 6

Media – 6

Other - 9

4. Why do you visit Valley Woods? What do you when you are there?

44 responses

Walking – 24

Birdwatching/natural science/study or enjoy flora, fauna – 12

Peace/tranquillity/serenity/quiet – 11

Beauty/Scenery/Magical – 10

Walk/exercise the dogs – 8

Enjoy/countryside, surroundings, atmosphere - 4

To see regeneration – 4

Relax/unwind – 4

Interest in history/heritage – 3

1. How often do you visit Valley Woods? (Please circle one answer only)

Not at all but I am a Trust supporter

(please answer Q.3, 8, 11, 13, 14 & 15)

17%

1 - 5 times a year 50%

1 - 5 times a month 17%

2 - 3 times a week 10%

Other (please specify below) 3%

Visit daily

82

Reminiscing – 3

Photographing – 3

Warden - 1

5. Which parts of Valley Woods do you usually visit?

Upper Valley ........................... 19%

Lower Valley ............................ 11%

Both about the same ............... 70%

6. What is your favourite area of Valley Woods and why?

43 responses

Waterfall – 19 (changes, water, trees, interesting, scenic, sound of water, grove of trees)

River/river walks – 9 (views, flora, fauna, magical, water, serenity, pleasant, peaceful, sound of running water, excitement)

General appreciation – 7 (offtrack, quiet, natural, variety, seasonal changes)

Lower lake/boating lake – 6 (challenging photographically, beauty, vastness, serenity sky and water)

Lake(s) – 4

Nydfwch – 4 (panorama)

Upper lake - 2

Upper valley – 2 (vistas, waterfall)

Walled garden – 2

Woodlands in general – 2 (dappled shade)

Spring wood – 2 (diversity of growth)

Other – steps; cascade; lower valley; remains of constructed waterfalls; walk from Council offices; Dai‟s path; picnic site – always quiet

7. What is your least favourite area and why?

33 responses

None – 7

Cadle Mill entrance – 4 (rubbish; like a tip; limited parking)

Upper valley – 3 (desolate and uninteresting [far end]; tracks badly churned near waterfall; overplantation of conifers)

East side – 3 (motorbikes; overgrown area)

Housing development/ Parc Penllergaer – 2 (housing so close)

Evidence of vandalism – 2 (burnt areas; vandalised bridges; dumping; burning cars)

Nydfwch – 2 (the open area around/barren hillsides around ... can be enhanced by restoration and tree/flower plantings)

Muddy paths - 2

Other - lakeside [overgrown]; lower lake [only a token of what it was]; entrance from Halfway [need proper safe access]; lower valley where the valley closes in; anywhere slippery or hilly; any area with fencing around; where the builders put a very ____ pipe structure; the main drive up to the falls [a bit boring]; Civic Centre [on site of mansion]; waterfall [too popular])

83

8. Does anything ever put you off visiting Valley Woods? If so what is it?

45 responses Nothing/not really – 12

Vehicles – 9 (four wheel drive vehicles enter from the upper valley via the council grounds, motorbikes, quad bikes, speeding, sound disturbs)

Burnt out cars - 5 (now removed; dumped cars)

Fear of being there alone – 5

Vehicles in the past – 4 (appreciation for Trust)

Vandalism – 4

Fear of youngsters – 3

Muddy paths – 3

Secure parking – 2

Distance from home - 2

Other - Not now there is access from Parc Penllergaer; Industrial scale tree removal as happened a few years ago; Weather and no shelter; Access for disabled; litter; entry points dark and unattractive

9. What sort of information would help you to enjoy your visits more?

(Please write in the topics that would interest you most).

28 responses Trees – 9 (classification; age of)

History/historical – 6 (social; of family; of woods and orchid house)

Information boards – 6 (flora/fauna; history)

Plants/vegetation/flora – 5 (classification; location)

Wildlife/fauna – 3

Birds – 3

Natural history – 2

Regeneration project – 2

Other – updated path maps; orienteering map; personal recollections; photographs; volunteer information; paths; pre-walk talks

10. What information media or events would help you to enjoy your visits more?

(Please circle all that apply).

Interpretive on-site panels/boards 53%

Self-guide booklets 44%

Leaflets 24%

Portable audio guide 9%

Interpretive map 42%

Guided walks 64%

Other media or events (please specify) 2%

Personally none because of my local knowledge

None

84

Bilingual (interpretive boards and booklets)

Please don’t make too organised

Keep commercial intrusion out

11. What other information would you like to see on the website: www.penllergare.org?

18 responses Don’t visit website – 6

Restoration project – 4

Wildlife and plants – 2 (including sighting records)

Other – old estate photographs; volunteers information; how to overcome legal wrangles; notification of meetings and more activities; website is excellent

12. What changes would improve your enjoyment of Valley Woods?

43 responses Further clearing/planting – 8 (suppression of bracken, clearance of rhododendrons and re-afforestation)

Benches/seating – 7

Picnic areas - 5

Address vehicle access problems – 4

Restoration of lower lake – 3

Organised walks – 3

Improve parking – 3 (designated area)

Path marking – 3 (arrows indicating direction, distance marking)

Path improvements – 3

Entrance improvements – 2

Public lavatories – 2

Island in lower lake – 2

Walled garden restoration – 2

Repair of bridge near waterfall - 2

Other (restoration of weirs; cafes; education centre; cleanliness; visitor centre; events; disabled access; reinstall lower waterfall; clearing the upper lake; keep it natural; less mud on the routes)

13. Please add any other comments about Valley Woods.

30 responses

Appreciation of Valley Woods – 10

Appreciation of progress – 7 (praise for volunteers, wardens and Trust)

Need to continue with restoration – 4

Need to restore walled gardens – 2 (and provide horticultural courses there)

Undertake works sensitively – 2 (leave enough cover for wildlife)


85

Other – more publicity needed; restrict vehicle access; can be difficult when pushing a child‟s buggy/wheelchair; create fitness routes; return to planting of original design; puzzlement regarding lack of wildlife at lower lake; educate the vandals; clear upper lake; good luck; enjoyment of Spring 2008 project news

PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU.

14. Where do you live?

If in Swansea, which area? Bishopston Brynmill Caereithin (Blaenymaes) Crofty Derwen Fawr (2) Dunvant Fforestfach (4) Gorseinon (5) Killay Llangyfelach (3)

Manselton Morriston (5) Parc Penllergaer Penllergaer (8)Pontlliw (2) Upper Killay Ravenhill Sketty (3) Sketty Park West Cross

If not in Swansea, in which town/city or nearest town/city?

Brecon Bridgend (2) Chester Llandeilo, Carm SW London Diss/Thetford (Suffolk/Norfolk border) Perth, Scotland Rayleigh, Essex Swindon

Are you: Male 46%

Age:

Female 54% 15 or under 0%

Registered Disabled: 16 – 24 0%

Yes 2% 25 - 34 0%

No 98% 35 – 44 2%

Employment Status: 45 – 54 16%

Full time employee 16% 55 – 64 28%

Part time employee 3% 65+ 54%

Self employed 7% Ethnic Origin:

Unemployed 0% White/European 98%

Full time student 0% African 0%

Retired 74% Indian 2%

Looking after home/family 0% Chinese 0%

Permanently sick/disabled 0% Other (please specify)

0%

Other (please specify) 0%

Thank You for Your Help!

15. Please circle answers that

apply to you.

86

Appendix 4

Penllergare Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy

87

Ymddiriedolaeth Penllergare Penllergare Trust

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

Statement of Intent 1. Ymddiriedolaeth Penllergare - the Penllergare Trust (The Trust), aims to promote and work

towards equality of opportunity. It also aims to ensure that no individual, group or organisation is discriminated against through its practices or services on the grounds of:

Age Colour Domestic care responsibilities Ethnic origin Gender HIV or AIDS Language Marital status Nationality Physical or mental disabilities Religious or political belief or sensory impairment Sexual orientation Social or economic background.

2. The Trust accepts its responsibility to meet its obligations under the following legislation in the implementation of this Equal Opportunities Policy (The Policy):

Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 Disabled Persons Employment Act 1944-1958 Companies Act 1985 Equal Pay Act 1970 and 1984 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006

3. The Policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment and selection, opportunities for training and promotion, and conditions of service. It applies in equal measure to volunteers working for the Trust. 4. It also covers aspects of the Trust`s dealings with the general public, associated organisations and contractors.

Objectives 5. The following objectives are seen as essential for the promotion and implementation of the Policy:

No potential or existing employee or volunteer should face discrimination, either directly or indirectly, in the recruitment procedure through inadequate or discriminatory advertising, lack of facilities for disabled people and people with sensory disabilities. Job descriptions for Trustees, volunteers, members of sub-groups and staff should reflect the Trust’s commitment to the Policy.

The Trust will endeavour to ensure that its services, projects and staff are accessible to all sections of the local community as set out in the Statement of Intent and will positively encourage under-represented sections of the community to participate.

The Trust is committed to good practice in volunteering. It will promote volunteering as a central component of its operation. In so doing it recognises that Trustees, the Friends, the Forum and other internal groups are also volunteers. No-one wishing to volunteer with the Trust should face discrimination, either directly or indirectly.

Anyone who feels that they have been discriminated against by the Trust on the basis of any characteristic set out in the Statement of Intent should have the right to complain and to have any claims of discrimination taken seriously by the Trust.

88

Responsibility

6. Responsibility for ensuring effective implementation of the Policy rests with the Trustees, assisted by the Company Secretary. They, together with all employees, have a responsibility to observe the Policy and to ensure that equality of opportunity is continuously provided for in the Trust`s activities. 7. All managers and supervisors have a particular responsibility for ensuring that the Policy is fairly and consistently applied in all areas under their control.

Implementation

8. A programme of raising awareness of how the policy affects all staff will be introduced in the Trust. 9. Careful monitoring will ensure effective operation of the policy. 10. Recruitment and selection criteria, (including those for volunteers), together with all procedures relating to the assessment of employees and potential employees, will be regularly reviewed to ensure that:

They conform with the law and current best practice in the provision of equal opportunities

The Trust works towards a fair and consistent, internal and external recruitment and selection process

Personal performance reviews are conducted in an open, fair and systematic way, through good communication and the provision of training.

Liability

All cases of alleged discrimination or victimisation should be reported to the line manager or Company Secretary. Behaviour and/or actions which contravene the spirit or the letter of the Policy constitute serious misconduct, liable to appropriate disciplinary action.

M. C. NORMAN

Ysgrifennydd y Cwmni Company Secretary 05/October 2007

89

Appendix 5

Public Transport Services to Penllergaer

90

Public Transport Services to Penllergare

Service Number

Route Bus Stops Days Timings

X13 Swansea-Ammanford-Llandeilo via Pontarddulais and Glanamman

Fforestfach Tesco (FT)

Penllergaer Roundabout (PR)

Parc Penllergaer

Mondays to Saturdays Sundays Bank Holidays

Mondays to Saturdays – hourly service Sundays and Bank Holidays – two-hourly service 21 minutes from Quadrant to FT 31 minutes from Quadrant to PR

X15 Swansea-Ammanford-Gwaun Cae Gurwen-Brynamman Fforestfach Tesco (FT)


Mondays to Saturdays No Sunday service No Bank Holiday service

Hourly to complement X13 service (ie half an hour after X13)

X14 Swansea-Ammanford via Glanffrwd and Pontardulais

Fforestfach Tesco (FT)


Parc Penllergaer


Occasional services only

141 Swansea to Gorseinon via Morriston

St Davids Church, Penllergaer (SD)

Penllergaer A48 Roundabout (PR)

Civic Offices, Penllergaer (CO)

Midway Café (by request)


Hourly 7 minutes from Gorseinon Bus Station to SD 10 minutes to PR 13 minutes to CO 50 minutes from Swansea Quadrant Bus Station to CO

25 City Centre to Blaenymaes Woodford Road/Pentregethin

Road (W/P)

Mondays to Saturdays Sundays No Bank Holiday service

Roughly every 10 minutes 18 minutes from Quadrant to W/P

43 City Centre to Morriston Hospital via Sketty, Townhill, Cockett, Blaenymaes and Treboeth

Woodford Road/Pentregethin Road (W/P)

Mondays to Saturdays Sundays No Bank Holiday service

Monday to Saturday – hourly Sunday – two-hourly 33 minutes from Quadrant to W/P

Sources: First Group: First, Bus Times – Ammanford Leaflet 33 Issue 18, 18 May 2008, 01792 572255; www.firstgroup.com

Traveline: 0871 200 22 33; www.traveline.com

Note: All services are run by First Group apart from 141 (Pullman) and X13 Sunday and Bank Holiday services (Veolia)

http://www.firstgroup.com/

http://www.traveline.com/

91

Appendix 6

Drive Time Population Analysis

Population Characteristics of Penderry, Penllergaer and Cockett Wards

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation – Rankings Summary, Swansea

92

Table A6.1: Drive-time analysis – 15, 30 and 60 minutes from Penllergare Valley

Woods (Civic Centre entrance)

Source: Office of National Statistics – Lower super output area data, 2001

15 minutes 30 minutes 60 minutes

Number % Number % Number %

Population 325,306 595,840 2,025,680

Households 137,753 252,084 840,096

Age

0 to 4 18,318 6% 32,893 6% 118,951 6%

4 to 11 28,522 9% 51,626 9% 186,359 9%

12 to 16 21,470 7% 39,443 7% 138,659 7%

17 & 18 8,289 3% 14,782 2% 50,989 3%

19 to 24 25,389 8% 41,512 7% 146,856 7%

25 to 34 40,619 12% 72,536 12% 258,962 13%

35 to 54 89,430 27% 165,017 28% 557,999 28%

55-64 35,655 11% 68,668 12% 223,702 11%

65+ 57,866 18% 109,523 18% 343,562 17%

325,558 100% 596,000 100% 2,026,039 100%

Persons with Long Term limiting Illness 85,248 26% 158,854 27% 491,820 24%

Households not deprived in any dimension 35,033 25% 63,032 25% 223,543 27%

Persons in employment 126,388 54% 230,630 54% 808,626 56%

Tenancy

Owned 95,568 69% 180,310 72% 601,329 72%

Social housing 28,011 20% 47,182 19% 154,959 18%

Private rented 10,613 8% 18,165 7% 65,154 8%

No Car in household 40,682 30% 69,820 28% 233,745 28%

Social Class x household

AB 42,765 17% 81,494 17% 287,361 18%

C1 73,350 29% 133,999 28% 454,255 29%

C2 39,710 15% 75,077 16% 250,391 16%

D 51,675 20% 93,032 20% 308,740 20%

E 49,377 19% 88,271 19% 280,334 18%

256,877 100% 471,873 100% 1,581,081 100%

93

Table A6.2: Population characteristics – Neighbouring Wards to Penllergare Valley

Woods


Population 2,903,085 223,301 10,981 2,434 12,586

Households 1,209,048 94,400 4,707 986 5,326

Age

0 to 4 5.8%

12,069 5.4%

891

8.1%

155

6.4%

708

5.6%

4 to 11 9.1%

18,723

8.4%

1,235

11.2%

225

9.2%

1,128

9.0%

12 to 16 6.7%

14,419

6.5%

861

7.8%

162

6.7%

882

7.0%

17 & 18 2.5%

5,664

2.5%

318

2.9%

53

2.2%

290

2.3%

19 to 24 7.1%

18,844

8.4%

893

8.1%

130

5.3%

763

6.1%

25 to 34 12.6%

27,196

12.2%

1,391

12.7%

335

13.8%

1,563

12.4%

35 to 54 27.6%

60,839

27.2%

2,769

25.2%

685

28.2%

3,435

27.3%

55-64 11.4%

24,744

11.1%

995

9.1%

289

11.9%

1,377

10.9%

65+ 17.4%

40,803

18.3%

1,627

14.8%

399

16.4%

2,439

19.4%

Households with persons with limiting long term illness

23.2% 24.7% 30.0% 23.5% 27.1%

Persons in employment 55.2% 52.0% 43.8% 57.2% 53.0%

Household Tenancy

Owned 71.3% 69.5% 33.3% 72.9% 70.0%

Social housing 17.9% 19.4% 57.5% 21.1% 21.5%

Private rented 10.8% 11.0% 9.2% 6.0% 8.6%

Households with no car or van 26%

26,942

28.5%

2,301

49%

200

20.3%

1,444

27.1%

All claimants of housing benefit/council tax benefit

- 24,855 2,650 200 1,565

People aged 16-74 with no qualifications

33.0% 30.5% 52.9% 32.1% 36.5%

Welsh speakers 20.5% 13.2% 7.2% 18.2% 11.8%

Speaks, reads writes Welsh 16.3% 9.4% 4.7% 13.2% 8.3%

White British 96.0% 95.7% 97.6% 97.9% 96.6%

Households by Social Class

AB 18.2% 19.4% 7.6% 23.0% 13.5%

C1 28.8% 29.7% 19.5% 29.7% 29.1%

C2 16.2% 13.9% 15.2% 12.1% 16.5%

D 19.3% 18.2% 29.2% 17.9% 20.1%

E 17.5% 18.7% 28.5% 17.3% 20.7%

Source: 2001 Census: Census Area Statistics

94

Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation

The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) in 2000 replaced the Welsh Index of Socio-

Economic Conditions of Deprivation. Indexes are constructed specifically to identify clusters of

people suffering deprivation at which to target economic regeneration. The small geographic areas

chosen for this analysis are lower layer super output areas (LSOAs).

To construct a WIMD, indicators of deprivation are identified and combined into topic groups called

domains. The domains themselves are used to show relative deprivation and combined to show

relative multiple deprivations. The domains and multiple index show the rank order (listed in order

of score) of the super output areas, not an absolute value.

The indexes of deprivation provide a snapshot in time and the indicators used a series of values

over time. It is necessary to use a number of statistical steps to produce the index from the

following domains:

o Income (25% of index score)

o Housing (5%)

o Employment (25%)

o Access to Services (10%)

o Health (15%)

o Environment (5%)

o Education (15%)

Welsh Indexes of Multiple Deprivation have been prepared in 2000, 2005 and are proposed for

2008.

The index can be used for:

Giving an overall deprivation score for each of the 1,896 areas in Wales

Giving scores for the seven separate kinds of deprivation for each of the areas

Comparing the deprivation scores for two or more of the areas

Ranking the scores for all 1,896 areas or for a group of them so that areas can be put in order

from the most to the least deprived

Comparing two or more local authorities by looking at the proportion of the areas in the local

authority in the most deprived (say) 10% in all of Wales.

There are 147 LSOAs in Swansea all of which ‘nest’ within Swansea’s current 36 Electoral

Divisions

95

Table A6.3: WIMD Rankings Summary – Swansea, 2005

Rank WIMD 2005

(Wales)

WIMD 2005

(Swansea)

Income

Domain

Employ’t

Domain

Health

Domain

Education

Domain

Access to

Serv. Domain

Housing

Domain

Phys Environ’t

Domain

High (most deprived)

1 Butetown 2 Castle 2 Penderry 1 Castle 2 Castle 2 Townhill 1 Gower 1 Landore 4 Clydach 5

2 Rhyl West 2 Penderry 1 Townhill 1 Townhill 1 Morriston 9 Penderry 1 Gower 2 Castle 4 Clydach 1

3 Penydarren 1 Townhill 1 Townhill 3 Townhill 3 Castle 1 Penderry 7 Mawr Uplands 9 Clydach 2

4 Penrhiwcelber 1 Townhill 3 Townhill 2 Castle 1 Castle 8 Penderry 3 Bishopston 2 Castle 6 Clydach 4

5 Castle 2 Castle 1 Castle 2 Penderry 4 Llansamlet 1 Townhill 3 Llang’felach 3 Uplands 8 Cockett 5

6 Twyn Camo 1 Townhill 2 Penderry 7 Townhill 2 Penderry 1 Townhill 2 Oysterm’th 2 Uplands 4 Morriston 7

7 Queensway 1 Penderry 4 Penderry 4 Penderry 1 Landore 3 Penderry 4 Pennard 1 St Thomas 1 Gowerton 1

8 Penderry 1 Penderry 7 Mynyddb’ch 1 Mynyddb’ch 1 Bonymaen 1 Townhill 6 Penclawdd 1 Uplands 6 Morriston 4

9 Townhill 1 Mynyddb’ch 1 Townhill 6 Penderry 3 Morriston 7 Penderry 5 Pennard 2 Castle 8 Morriston 5

10 Butetown 1 Penderry 3 Townhill 5 Sketty 4 Mynyddb’ch 1 Townhill 5 Llang’felach 2 Castle 7 Clydach 3

Low (least deprived)

5 Cyncoed 1 Uplands 1 Sketty 8 Mayals 1 Mayals 1 Oysterm’th 3 Mynyddb’ch 3 Bishopston 1

4 Cyncoed 5 Mayals 1 Llang’felach 3 Mayals 2 Sketty 1 Killay North 2 Killay North 2 Pennard 1

3 Cyncoed 2 Mayals 2 Killay North 2 Sketty 8 Sketty 8 Newton 2 Gowerton 1 Bishopston 2

2 Cyncoed 7 Uplands 5 Mayals 2 Sketty 9 Bishopston 1 Newton 1 Penllergaer 1 Pennard 2

1 Penylan 7 Killay North 2 Killay North 1 Killay North 1 Killay North 2 Mayals 2 55 areas* Mayals 2 Fairwood 1

Source: Swansea City and County

Note: LSOAs within 5km of Penllergare are highlighted in dark boxes/white text

* A total of 55 LSOAs within Swansea have the joint lowest score in this domain.

96

Appendix 7

Volume and Value of Tourism to Swansea

2002- 2006

Visits to Tourist Attractions within 30 and 60 minutes from Penllergare

97

Table A7.1: Swansea Bay – Tourism Volume and Value

Source: City and County of Swansea

%change figures are for the period 2002-2006

Tourist Days ('000) 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 % ch

Serviced accommodation 858 862 844 689 565 52%

Non-serviced accommodation 2,538 2,414 2,378 2,382 2,359 8%

SFR 832 829 826 822 821 1%

Day Visitors 2,663 2,279 2,086 2,004 1,874 42%

Total 6,892 6,383 6,135 5,897 5,619 23%

Tourist Numbers ('000) 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 % ch

Serviced accommodation 527 544 521 429 355 48%

Non-serviced accommodation 381 360 359 360 358 6%

SFR 350 348 347 345 345 1%

Day Visitors 2,663 2,279 2,086 2,004 1,874 42%

Total 3,921 3,531 3,313 3,138 2,932 34%

Revenue (£m) All £s 2006 indexed 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 % ch

Serviced accommodation 79.4 81.2 79.2 63.9 52.1 52%

Non-serviced accommodation 77.1 73.6 72.2 74.0 73.5 5%

SFR 29.6 29.5 29.3 29.2 29.2 1%

Day Visitors 69.5 59.4 54.4 52.3 48.9 42%

Total 255.6 243.6 235.1 219.3 203.6 26%

Analysis by Sector of Expenditure

Revenue (£m) All £s 2006 indexed 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 % ch

Accommodation 39.5 40.0 39.0 34.3 30.0 32%

Food and Drink 44.3 41.6 40.1 38.0 35.9 23%

Recreation 13.6 12.7 12.3 11.9 11.4 19%

Shopping 27.7 25.7 24.7 23.8 22.7 22%

Transport 22.6 20.9 20.0 19.1 18.0 26%

Indirect Expenditure 81.9 78.1 75.4 70.0 64.8 26%

VAT 25.9 24.7 23.8 22.2 20.7 25%

Total 255.6 243.6 235.1 219.3 203.6 26%

Direct Employment (FTEs) 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 % ch

Accommodation 1,140 1,131 1,049 919 868 31%

Food and Drink 1,122 1,052 1,014 963 910 23%

Recreation 419 390 377 364 349 20%

Shopping 639 594 569 549 525 22%

Transport 256 236 226 216 204 25%

Total Direct Employment 3,576 3,403 3,235 3,011 2,855 25%

Indirect Employment 1,369 1,305 1,258 1,170 1,082 27%

Total 4,945 4,707 4,494 4,180 3,937 26%

98

Table A7.2: Visits to Natural Attractions within 30 and 60 minutes of Penllergare Source: Visit Wales, Visits to Tourist Attractions, 2005 and 2006

Within 30 Minutes Charge - '06 2003 2004 2005 2006 % ch 04-06 Owner

Aberdulais Falls, Neath £3.20 20,473 18,975 17,596 21,175 12% NT

Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen £6.00 - 47,331 48,983 49,500 5% CT

Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend F - 80,000 80,000 80,000 0% LA

Craig y Nos Country Park , Swansea Valley F 73,098 66,199 72,892 69,898 6% G

Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare F - - 91,928 91,100 - LA

Gelli Aur Country Park, Carmarthen F 119,353 124,374 127,046 126,659 2% LA

Gnoll Estate, Neath F - 130,038 - 149,121 15% LA

Llyn Lech Owain Country Park, Llanelli F 120,423 136,505 132,953 152,833 12% LA

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot F 200,000 165,957 195,610 192,657 16% LA

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne £7.50 - 152,206 146,098 146,000 -4% CT

National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercrave £10.00 90,076 90,014 83,777 84,700 -6% PO

Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli F 445,683 428,629 427,859 413,652 -3% LA

Plantasia, Swansea £3.50 74,339 91,386 88,497 83,356 -9% LA

Total 1,143,445 1,531,614 1,513,239 1,660,651 8%

Average 142,931 127,635 126,103 127,742 0%

Within 30 - 60 Minutes Charge in '06 2003 2004 2005 2006 % ch 04-06 Owner

Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre, Brecon F - 169,590 169,869 154,000 -9% LA

Colby Woodland Garden, Narberth £4.00 - 23,127 26,692 29,529 28% NT

Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, Newport F - 17,064 19,222 18,803 10% LA

Llysfran Country Park, Haverfordwest F - 84,500 82,937 86,541 2% PO

Old Station, Nr Chepstow F 107,130 100,000 105,000 102,000 2% LA

Porthkerry Country Park, Barry F - 150,000 150,000 150,000 0% LA

Total 544,281 553,720 540,873 -1%

Average 77,754 79,103 77,268 -1%

0-60 mins average 115,328 114,831 115,870 0%

Key:

LA - Local Authority

NT - National Trust

CT - Other Trust or charity

G - Government/Government Agency

PO - Privately owned

99

Table A7.3: Other Natural and Woodland Sites in Swansea

*North Swansea

Ashlands Wood, Port Tennant

Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve

Blackpill Wildlife Centre

Brynmill Park

Clyne Gardens, Blackpill

Clyne Wood

Coedbach Park, Pontarddulais*

Crymlyn Quarry Wood, Trallwn

Crymlyn Bog NNR

Cwm Ivy Woods and Betty Church Wood, Llanmadoc

Cwmdonkin Park

Cwmllwyd Wood Local Nature Reserve, Waunarlwydd

Dunvant Brickworks

Ffynnon Deml, Leadfield, Morriston

Garth Farm Wood

Gelli Hir Wood, Three Crosses

Glyncollen Quarry, Cwmrhydyceirw

Gower Commons Initiative

Gower Heritage Centre

Graig y Coed, Penclawdd

Hambury (Castle) Wood, Landimore

Hendrefoilan Wood

Killay Marsh, LNR

Llanrhidian Hill (wood)

Llewelyn Park, Morriston

Lower Swansea Valley Woods, Landore/Bonymaen

Mumbles Hill LNR

Mumbles Ridge

Oystermouth Castle Woods

Park Melin Mynach*

Peel Wood, Newton

Penlan Slopes, Penlan, Brynhyfryd

Prior's Wood and Meadow, Three Crosses

Rosehill Quarry Community Park

Trallwn Woods, Trallwn

Singleton Botanical Gardens

Sketty Park Woods


Underhill Park Wood

Victoria Park

WWT National Wetland Centre, Wales

100

Appendix 8

SWOT Analysis

101

SWOT Analysis – Penllergare Valley Woods – Access and Audience Development

The purpose of this exercise is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Penllergare Valley Woods as a destination for community

and tourist visits. It arises from the findings from the programme of research and consultation. Opportunities arising from this analysis lead to the identification

of issues, which underlie the development of access to the site; of interpretation and information to support the growth of visits.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

Organisation Penllergare Trust - A team of highly experienced professionals with wide-ranging and

relevant experience

Project Manager, Community and Education Coordinator, Woods Management Team

and volunteer Warden are well known and appreciated amongst local community and

users.

Existing working, formal and informal partnerships with a range of local organisations

Trust record of success in securing major grant funding for restoration and conservation

works. Recent award for development of educational, outreach and volunteer

programme

Surrounded by seven Development Trusts and Communities First organisations –

willing partners for employment, volunteering, fundraising, enterprise and educational

opportunities focused on PVW

A proactive approach to community consultation and engagement including the

establishment of a consultative Forum and a Friends group

Enthusiastic volunteers currently undertake physical site improvements

Leasing arrangements have yet to be

resolved

Almost total reliance upon grant funding

and lack of core funding and staff

shortages have restricted the range of

possible activities including volunteer

supervision and education programmes

Lack of Welsh speakers in the Trust acts

as barrier to Welsh medium schools and

use of Welsh language in Trust literature

and website is limited

Limited number of staff restricts the level

and range of development, marketing

and educational activities

Access and

Visitor

Product

Strategically well located for motor access next to junction 47 of the M4 and linked via

the motorway to other ‘garden’ products

Public transport access via two main routes

Surrounded by residential estates and a population of 325, 000 within only 15 minutes

drive time

Free access and freedom on site for adults, children and dogs in a relatively ‘wild’ and

natural environment

New routes, bridges and clearing undertaken recently. Maps and kissing gates installed

at all entrances along with route marker posts throughout the site

Easy access for new staff at Penllergaer Civic Centre offices

Located away from traditional tourist area

of Swansea

Low levels of awareness of the site even

from people living on neighbouring

estates

Negative impressions persist of site as

derelict and unsafe

Limited existing promotion for public

transport access to the site and existing

and perceived difficulties in accessing

102

Trust prepared leaflets and website offer a wealth of information on the history, nature

and current access arrangements

A highly acclaimed educational and outreach programme – including school visits, public

talks, public walk and talk sessions

Ongoing activities to improve visitor interpretation and signage

Recent successes in restricting illegal access from motor vehicles

PVW by public transport from

surrounding communities

Motorbike/car nuisance persists albeit to

a lesser extent than previously

Challenging topography and limited

existing access for those with restricted

mobility

Opportunities for developing school and

general visits are currently hampered by

lack of visitor and education centre

Existing physical barriers to motor

access are unsightly and can act as

barriers to pedestrians (e.g. Sapper

Bridge, Lower Lodge entrance)

No visitor surveys or visitor counts as yet

undertaken to establish levels and

characteristics of existing users

Obscure gateways offer little sense of

arrival

Security issues at car parks

New wooden bridges inaccessible for

buggies and wheelchairs and can be

difficult for dogs

Focus on written information acts as

barrier to immigrant populations and high

numbers of residents in areas to south of

PVW with below basic skills

Welsh versions of website and walks

leaflet are not available

Marketing and promotion of site is low

key, ad hoc and sporadic

Few places to sit, rest and picnic

Environment Valued by visitors for biodiversity and range of diverse natural habitats

Visitors appreciate the therapeutic benefits of relaxation amongst the peace, tranquillity,

Petty vandalism, littering and fear of

groups of young people acts as barrier

103

serenity and beauty of Penllergare

Favourite locations focus upon the waterfall, river and lakes

Historical value of site and size are considerable assets, particularly for N Swansea,

which is poorly provided with safe, accessible open space.

The incidence of vandalism is on the decline

for some

Parc Penllergare to the west is visually

intrusive

Training and

Education

Recent People and Places award will allow recruitment of dedicated member of staff for

staff and volunteer training.

Little training undertaken as yet – limited

in funding and staff resources

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

Organisation Work with a broad range of statutory, community and voluntary organisations in

Swansea to raise awareness and increase the level and range of access to PVW for

leisure, volunteering, enterprise, training and education.

Establish strong working partnerships with local universities for mutual advantage:

expertise, research, habitat surveys, design and print of leaflets, funding applications etc

(for PVW) and practical opportunities for on-site learning and experience (for students

and staff).

Ensure that PVW works with partners under umbrella bidding scheme for Convergence

Funding and in future become fully involved in Valleys Regional Park initiative

Appoint Welsh speaking staff and a dedicated full time educational officer

Continue to seek input from users and non-users including disability groups to all

aspects of site development, information and interpretation

Undertake user surveys and counts for monitoring and management purposes.

Encourage Friends and Volunteers to run small (realistic) projects and events and apply

for supporting funding

Actively seek sponsors

Failure to secure satisfactory leasing

agreement.

Failure to develop sustainable income

sources

Competition for public funding sources

increases as the availability of funding

sources diminishes leading to decline in

core funding

Access Develop travel plan demonstrating intention to reduce car journeys and encourage

public transport access wherever possible: through website, PR activities, promotional

literature and other information.

Seek funding to provide transport for school visits.

Develop awareness of walking links to the site from local communities and where

necessary, work with local organisations and SCC to develop safe walking routes to

PVW.

Develop safe car park close to main visitor facilities

Seek to develop networks links; either physical or interpretive – e.g. the Gower Way,

Increasing transport costs limit visitor

access for recreation

SCC failure to improve public transport

access to site

Inability to develop safe parking at site

Failure to work with BME, disability and

other specialist organisations to increase

number and range of users

104

Sustrans, walking trail to Community Farm via Cadle Heath

Continue to work with other organisations to use PVW as a venue – e.g. Gower walking

festival, Swansea Orienteering Club, Dryad Bushcraft, Let’s Walk Cymru organisers

Increase sense of welcome at entrances. Establish one main entrance – at north of site,

close to main visitor facilities.

Work with the City and County of Swansea to encourage nearby staff to visit the woods

for exercise and enjoyment including lunchtime walks

Work with disability advisers and special schools on physical access on site and

introduce site enhancements for people with sensory as well as physical disabilities.

Also develop accessible interpretive materials – e.g large print format, talking pages,

audio guides, map with access for all routes etc.

Establish contact with BME organisations/community groups and work with them to

develop programmes and activities to encourage visits

Develop website to include a blog for ongoing dialogue with visitors and ‘Youth proof’ the

website to increase its appeal to young people

Work with local media to promote and raise interest in developments at PVW.

Work with BTCV to establish Green Gym at PVW

Visitor

Product Contribute to the development of visitor product in the North of Swansea and to the

sustainable development of Mawr (cf Swansea Bay Tourism Strategy).

Develop sense of place and brand identity by focusing on unique history, significance

and natural values of the site, e.g. photography, horticulture, astronomy, woods etc and

develop activities and events that reinforce these messages

Build a visitor centre with café and shop, education room and exhibition area to

demonstrate principles of good, sustainable building design and operational principles

e.g. local sourcing of foodstuffs, recycled rainwater etc.

Regenerate the walled and terraced gardens to increase the range and volume of

visitors and provide a significant commercial opportunity

Capitalise on the impending changes to the National Curriculum and extend the number

of schools visiting PVW. Develop new learning resources for use in conjunction with

local teachers. Encourage secondary schools to use the site

Develop educational outreach programme to schools and community organisations,

including disability organisations

Develop summer activity programme for young people or work with other organisations

Royal Fern Golf Club and housing –

potentially a visual intrusion to the East

and disruption.

Failure to secure funding to develop site

Failure to engage with other

organisations to develop opportunities for

product development

Failure to develop commercial

opportunities

105

to use PVW as venue for their own programmes

Incorporate a small assault course or adventure space for young people in the East of

the site

Recruit and train volunteer guides to increase the number and subject range of guided

walks

Incorporate health messages in walks and routes – calories burnt etc. – distance

markers on maps for independent walkers/runners.

Install seating at key points throughout site and consider picnic area and shelters

Pursue the opportunity to establish a fishing club at Lower Lake

Develop self guided educational/themed trails e.g sustainability trail, family learning trail

with interpretive maps and guides

Investigate potential for sustainable commercial and/or social enterprises building upon

the core values and strengths of PVW: wood, horticulture, photography etc. Work with

local partners to develop.

Marketing

and

Promotion

Develop a marketing plan

Appoint member of staff with responsibility for marketing, promotion, outreach

Establish brand values based on the intrinsic qualities of the site and develop logo to

reflect them. Logo to appeal especially to young people

Focus promotion in first instance on neighbouring communities and local organisations.

Also target communities on bus routes.

Develop the website as an e-marketing tool; incorporate links with a wide range of local

and national organisations to stimulate access

Promote the site to local secondary schools and sixth form colleges; particularly to

subject specialists in biology, environmental sciences and geography

Take advantage of existing Forums, Trade organisations, local events and marketing

opportunities including the trade organisation, Tourism Swansea Bay, Tourism Swansea

(SCC) and Herian.

Develop cross-marketing opportunities with local and garden attractions and capitalise

on historic associations with Margam Park and Llewelyn Park (Morriston).

Establish system for relationship marketing – database of users/visitors. Send regular

emails advertising events, activities, seasonal changes and site developments.

Work with local press to identify stories of wide appeal

Failure to become fully engaged with

marketing opportunities through

partnership working

Information,

Signage,

Prepare an interpretation plan, taking into account key themes and interests as identified

106

Interpretation by community consultations

Develop events programme to reflect brand values and sense of place

Develop interpretive materials and signage to be accessible to people with physical,

intellectual and sensory impairments

Ensure that all written materials, website and signage etc is bilingual (Welsh/English)

Develop series of guide books interpreting different aspects of the site

Explore the potential for new technologies in interpretation – e.g. mobile phones and

audio guides

Encourage responsible use of the site through appropriate messages delivered in

literature and on gateway signs

Install visitor information at entrances including emergency phone numbers, responsible

dog ownership messages and website address

Training Deliver customer contact skills training to staff and volunteers

Ensure that all staff and volunteers are fully aware of DDA requirements and the needs

typical of all types of disability.

Develop working relationship with Swansea BTCV – separate funding opportunity;

expertise; supervision; risk assessments, experience – an accredited OCN trainer

(horticulture) Offers training for Brush Cutter licence, Chain Saw Licence and strimming

(no licence)

Deliver Health and Safety and First Aid courses to staff and volunteers.

Work with local disability groups and schools, establish on site placements for people

with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Work with local schools to identify projects on site for developing practical and social

skills amongst remedial children.

Work with local organisations and colleges to deliver life long learning opportunities with

accreditation (OCNs) and consider introducing an alternative accreditation system for

young people based on participation hours – e.g. the Children’s University and Youth

University.

Work with Asylum seekers groups to provide volunteering/training opportunities at PVW

Work with Participation Cymru to train volunteers in consultation techniques

Target unemployed local men to train and gain certification in e.g. building site safety

certificate and chain saw certificate

Offer training to volunteers in traditional skills: fencing, dry stone walling, organic

gardening, gate making, wood carving etc.

107

Participate in Swansea-wide events during national Volunteers Week – publicity

opportunity and thanks volunteers

Work with teaching staff in local secondary schools in contributing to programmes

accrediting young people with ASDAN qualifications – fostering development of key

skills

Develop volunteering programme to incorporate partnership working with existing

organisations

108

Appendix 9

School Consultations

The New National Curriculum

Courses run by Further and Higher Education establishments

109

Consultations were undertaken with members of staff from Llanmorlais, Penllergaer and Portmead Primary

Schools; from Pontardulais Secondary School and Gorseinon FE College (see Appendix 1)

Primary Schools

1. How far are schools willing to travel to attend a visitor/education attraction?

Would travel up to two hours if felt to be worthwhile. For something like Penllergare, more

likely would be 30-40 minutes

2. Which attractions does school typically visit?

BBC Orchestra, Techniquest, National Botanic Gardens, St Fagans, Wildfowl and

Wetlands Trust (Llanelli), Castell Henllys, Llancaiach Fawr, Margam Park, local woodlands

in Cilonen and Mumbles Hill, local beaches, Gower

Entrance charges vary from £3 to £10

For a class going rate is £80 - £120

In more deprived areas, difficulties in gaining parental support for school trips owing to cost

3. How is Penllergare useful at the moment?

Local history for young children on the doorstep; sustainability; lots of habitats; garden;

good to teach children about vandalism in the past: good to tell them that their neighbours

do that kind of thing; quiet and tranquil; keep it natural – encourage wildlife; safe area with

clear boundaries but at the same time natural and wild

Good access

Very local schools – the children can walk there or hire bus – cheaper over short journeys

There‟s not much around in the area for day visits – I prefer something more natural. In

that respect Penllergare is unique in the area

Website liked – provide links to CCS and NPT education departments and to nearby

attractions

4. What subject matter would primary schools find most useful?

With new curriculum taking a skills route focusing on hands on activities, Penllergare lends

itself to teaching a wide range of subjects including English (poetry and descriptive writing)

history (who lived and worked in Penllergare house) , maths (river flow, depth, length) map

reading, science, mini beasts, pond and river dipping. Plant and tree identification, food

chains, art etc. etc. See new Science curriculum

5. How far does the site match the needs of the National Curriculum?

See above

Teachers have taken years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Penllergare also suitable for Foundation phase –

learning through experience: adventurous play, Forest Schools, building bivouacs, art of

natural things etc. However, H & S issues might restrict access to older pupils.

Big theme: compare and contrast – own locality to another

New curriculum more thematic – broad topics with links.

6. How useful would an education room be?

An extremely useful addition – would allow visits to be extended to whole day Toilets

welcome and somewhere to have lunch

Would allow dividing day between on-site and classroom activities for variety

110

Bad weather advantage

See class lab at Afan Argoed – very useful with resources for nature study, river study,

orienteering

Must be able to accommodate at least 30

Development must be unobtrusive

Practical equipment as teaching aids: nets, magnifying glasses

7. How useful is an on-site education officer?

Essential – without one very few primary schools will visit

Existing offer (Jennie) considered to be excellent – second to none – excellent – incredibly

useful programme

Continue to offer tailored programmes – contact schools two weeks before to establish

teachers’ needs

Must ensure that the education officer is a really good one – must like working with

children and must be creative to take advantage of all possibilities and opportunities in new

curriculum

Need to keep reminding schools to sustain involvement by schools

Must encourage more visits to justify expense of education officer

8. What additional facilities would you need/like to see at Penllergare?

Visitor centre with memorabilia – permanent exhibition

Orienteering – fits new curriculum for adventurous PE including compass and map work

Would like the entrance charge to be free or kept low

Prepare new work programme on variety of themes – sustainable agenda, geography,

history etc. Establish a small working party formed from local teachers to develop

programme and work packs for schools.

An ecological trail (a big theme at the moment)

Offer subsidy to schools for transport as Penllergare is not easy to walk to and transport

costs are a key barrier

Walking trails for specific purposes with accompanying leaflets and maps – all could be

available and replenished in study area

Needs clear main entry point – iconic gateway or significant signage including map with

what is available on site

Orientation maps around the site would be useful and interpretive boards

WAG agenda is to give more and more accessibility for disabled children – need to

encourage able and disabled groups to remain together on trips

9. How long would you envisage a school trip to last with education facilities in place?

(10am-2.30pm)

The site is sufficiently varied for a whole day – there‟s plenty there

Might make one trip there per year

111

Pontardulais Secondary School, Gorseinon College

Teachers in both establishments had previously not heard of Penllergare Valley Woods and

were unaware that it could be used as an outdoor classroom

Main barriers: transport and other costs, Health and Safety

Gorseinon College currently uses the Wetland Centre and Parc le Breos woods. Proximity of

Penllergare is a huge advantage

Potential involvement of young people in practical projects to achieve Duke of Edinburgh

awards or ASDAN awards – laying paths, nature area work, gardening, birdboxes etc. Teacher

responsible in Pontardulais school: I would love to be involved in any project work at Valley

Woods. They are currently laying paths for Pontarddulais Town Council and Llys Nini RSPB

rescue centre.

Environmental Science, biology and geography are main subject areas of interest

Would be interested in pond dipping and woodland studies for year 7 (biology). Year 10

invertebrates study – laminated study sheets would be useful or to download off the internet

For environmental science A Level: fieldwork on river and woods. In 2008 the specifications for

environmental science changed allowing teachers to use more general sites for sampling using

belt transects, point frames, quadrats etc in woods and nets and kick sampling in river. Also

use of living things: agriculture, forestry and fishing management. Gorseinon College

subsequently used the site for a day visit and prepared a work sheet for on-site use. Thy

Geography – river studies – up to GCSE level

No educational officer needed. Teachers cover this themselves, although would appreciate on-

site presentations on ecology of area

Would like to see platforms around pond edge for safety

Education centre would be very useful - with nets and microscopes, containers, quadrats etc.

Best ways of raising awareness is by leaflet drops to heads of biology and geography and

familiarisation visits for teachers

112

The New National Curriculum – Potentially relevant subject areas for

Penllergare

Primary Schools (3-11 years old)

At Key Stages 1 and 2, the news National Curriculum identifies:

core subjects - Mathematics and Science

non-core subjects – Design and Technology, Information Technology,

History, Geography, Art and design

Mathematics

Understand number and number notation

Calculate in a variety of ways

Investigate patterns and relationships

Understand and use measures

Understand and use money

Understand and use the properties of shapes

Understand and use the properties of position and movement

Collect, represent and interpret data

Understand and use probability

Science

Interdependence of organisms

o need for a variety of foods and exercise for human good health

o through fieldwork, the plants and animals found in to contrasting

environments (e.g. identification, nutrition, life cycles, places in

environment)

o the interdependence of living organisms in those two environments and

their representation as food chains

o the environmental factors that affect what grows and lives in those two

environments (e.g. sunlight, water availability, temperature)

o how humans affect the local environment (e.g. litter, water, pollution,

noise pollution). [ To this might be added light pollution].

The sustainable Earth

o a comparison of the features of some natural and made materials

o how some materials are formed or produced

o a consideration of what waste is and what happens to local waste that

can be recycled and that which cannot be recycled

How things work

Design and technology

Pupils should be given opportunities to develop their design and technology

capability through:

o tasks in which they learn about the responsible use of materials,

considering issues of sustainability

113

o they should be given opportunities to: be creative, innovative and work

independently and in groups

o Taken together, these tasks should cover a range of materials and

components, including food, rigid and flexible materials and systems and

control

Health and safety

o Pupils should be taught how to use tools/utensils and equipment safely

and to consider the hazards and risks in their activities, behaviour and

lifestyle

History

Pupils should develop their historical skills, knowledge and understanding

through learning about a range of historical contexts. These should be based

primarily on the local area within the wider context of Wales, but including

examples from Britain and other countries. The focus should be on the

characteristics of daily life during the selected contexts. One aspect of daily

life (either houses and homes or food and farming or transport) should be

studied in all contexts.

Pupils should be given opportunities to:

o study changes to people’s daily lives in the 19th century

o study the differences in people’s daily lives in two contrasting periods of

the 20th century

o carry out investigations into the history around them and into the life of

people at different times and places in the past

o ask and answer questions

Geography

Pupils develop their geographical skills, knowledge and understanding

through learning about places, environments and issues.

Pupils should be given opportunities to:

o study living in Wales, their local area and an investigation of at least one

aspect of the geography of the whole of Wales (e.g. national parks,

where people live). [Registered Historic Landscapes area a potential and

relevant resource].

o carry out fieldwork to observe and investigate real places and processes

o ask and answer questions: e.g. where is this places/environment? What

is it like and why? What is happening and why? How have people

affected this place/environment? How can I and other peoples look after

this environment?

Art and design

In art and design pupils at Key Stage 2 should develop their understanding

and investigating skills in order to enrich and inform their making.

Understanding:

o other artists, craftworkers and designers

o methods and processes

o media

o styles

114

o ideas

o local and Welsh art, craft and design

o images and artefacts from a variety of historical and contemporary

cultures and contexts

Investigating

o natural objects and environments

o made objects and environments

Making

o objects

o artefacts

o images

Secondary (11-16)

Key Stage 3

core subjects – Mathematics and Science

non-core subjects – Design and Technology, Information Technology,

History, Geography, Art and design

Key Stage 4

Mandatory subjects – Mathematics and Science

Mathematics

As for Key Stages 1 and 2, but additionally at KS3:

Collect, represent, analyse and interpret data

Understand and use algebraic relationships, functions and graphs

Science

As for Key Stages 1 and 2, but additionally at KS3:

Interdependence of organisms

o how human activity affects the global environment (e.g. acid rain,

greenhouse effect

The sustainable Earth

o the properties of sustainable materials and how these are related to their

use in everyday life (e.g. in the construction and manufacturing

industries), and the importance of sustainability

How things work

o the conservation of energy and the ways in which energy can be stored

Design and Technology

As an extension of Key Stages 1 and 2:

Pupils should be given opportunities to develop their design and technology

capability through:

o activities in which they investigate, analyse and evaluate products in

order to acquire technological and health and safety knowledge and

understanding that can be applied in their making

115

o activities in which they develop and practise particular skills and

techniques that can be applied in their designing and making

When designing and making, pupils should take account of user safety

o the build quality of products

o the impact on their health and safety of certain behaviour

History

As an extension of Key Stages 1 and 2, at KS3:

explore and interpret historical contexts

o the changes that happened in Wales, Britain and the wider world

between 1760 and 1914 and people’s reaction to them

carry out investigations into historical issues on a range of scales, from the

local to the international

Geography

As an extension of Key Stages 1 and 2, at KS3:

Pupils should be given opportunities to study:

o the town and country: the variations and changes in the quality of life in

rural and/or urban environments

o the physical world: the processes and landforms of coasts or rivers

o threatened environments: characteristics of, and possibilities for, their

sustainable development

carry out at least one group and one independent investigation; fieldwork to

observe and investigate real places and processes; how do environments

and people interact? How can changes be sustainable and why is it important

for this place/environment?

Art and Design

Key Stage 3 is an extension of Key Stage 2. There appears to be an opportunity to

concentrate on one (or more) forms or disciplines in order to extend interest in that

form.

116

Selection of Courses run by Further and Higher Education establishments in

the area local to Swansea

Please note that this is just a selection of courses and qualifications

Swansea FE College

HNC/HND Building Services Engineering

CIM Professional Certificate/Diploma in Marketing

AS/A levels in Geography, Biology, Art

Gorseinon FE College

HNC Engineering

Computer Aided Design

HND Art and Design – Photography

City & Guilds Intermediate Photography

Youth and Community Work

AS/A levels in Geography, Biology, Art, Photography, Environmental Science, Travel

and Tourism

Neath Port Talbot FE College

HND Travel and Tourism

AS/A – Biology, Chemistry, Communications and Culture, Engineering,

Environmental Studies, Fine Art, Geography, Geology, History (largely 19th century

based), Photography

BTEC national Diplomas

o Art and Design

o Construction and Civil Engineering

o Travel and Tourism

Foundation and Intermediate Construction Awards in Carpentry and Joinery

Certificate in Land-based studies

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthen

BTEC Construction Management

HNC Construction

NVQ Forestry

National Diploma in Countryside Management

BTEC Travel and Tourism

AS/A – Biology

BA Hons – Photography

EDEXCEL – Photography

Advanced National Certificate – Horticulture

117

City and Guilds Certificate – Gardening

RHS Level 2 General Certificate in Horticulture

Trinity College, Carmarthen

BA Tourism

BA Tourism Management

MA Creative Arts

MA Heritage and Tourism

MA Local History (SW Wales since 1800)

Swansea Metropolitan University

BA in Photography in the Arts

BA Graphic Design

BSc Civil Engineering and Environmental Management

BSc Construction Management

HND Quantity Surveying

BA Tourism Management

BA Leisure Management

HND Leisure, Tourism & Recreation Studies

HNC/HND Building Studies

HNC/HND Civil Engineering

MSc Environmental Conservation and Management

BA/BSc Environmental Conservation

Swansea University

Undergraduate degrees in:

o Biology and Biological Sciences

o Engineering – Environmental

o Geography

o History

o Geo-Informatics

o Zoology

access, audience development and training plan

Documents

access development

access audience development

training plan

physical access

public access

education training

wales valley woods

training opportunities