If you’re passionate about conservation or want to get involved as a volunteer, this page is for you.
Bryngarw is not just a fabulous visitor attraction; it’s also a hugely important natural resource that is sensitively managed in order to protect and promote its biodiversity. Our efforts focus on four key areas:
Wildflower meadows
Bryngarw has approximately six acres of native wildflower meadows to the west of the park. The UK has lost over 97% of its native wildflower meadows since World War II, so here at Bryngarw we are particularly proud and protective of the meadows we have.
Mixed woodlands
The 70 acres of mixed woodlands at Bryngarw comprise of a range of mature native trees including mature sweet chestnuts, ancient oaks and towering beeches. Many of these trees are hundreds of years old and of huge importance to wildlife. The woodlands are sensitively managed to strike a balance between the needs of park visitors and wildlife. The UK has almost half of the world’s bluebell population, so displays like the ones seen at Bryngarw in spring are world class.
River Garw
Previously known as “the black river”, the River Garw was once heavily polluted by the collieries further up the valley. Now it’s a thriving eco-system that’s home to a diverse range of wildlife, from invertebrates living on the rocky riverbed to larger mammals such as otters. It’s also an excellent place to spot birds including kingfishers, dippers, grey herons and grey wagtails – and at night, Daubenton’s bats can be seen hunting just above the river’s surface.
Ponds, lake and wetlands
The park has a number of water features, including wildlife ponds in the Oriental Garden, an ornamental lake and the ecologically important wet woodland. All of these are key habitats for amphibians such as common toads, frogs and palmate newts. The lake supports a range of wildfowl including mallard and Canada geese, plus a healthy population of fish such as rudd, roach and tench. Kingfishers can often be seen in the early morning in summer, diving from overhanging branches as they hunt for small fish.
Become a volunteer
The rangers are assisted in the conservation of the park’s habitats and biodiversity by members of the local community via the park’s annual volunteer programme.
Our volunteers make a vital contribution to the running of the park, helping with a wide range of projects while having fun, socialising and learning new skills.
The volunteer programme began in 2005 and has gone from strength to strength thanks to the many members of the local community who have rolled up their sleeves and got involved. They meet one Saturday every month from 10am – 2pm.
Recent projects have included management of the woodland garden, restoring the natural habitat in the Rhos pasture and developing an educational nature garden.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering at Bryngarw is a great social activity, gives you plenty of enjoyable exercise (it’s much more fun than the gym) and is a great way to learn new skills. You’ll also get the pleasure of knowing you’re helping the environment and your local community.
If you have a passion for conservation and the great outdoors and would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call the park on 01656 725155 or email: bryngarw.park@awen-wales.com
Monthly Volunteering Schedule
October 2021
November 2021
December 2021
January 2022
February 2022
March 2022