This is a copy of the eNewsletter sent out to all members on 20th March 2019

The e-newsletter of the Twmbarlwm Society

Hello Folks

I told you a couple of newsletters ago about Caerphilly CBC’s and Torfaen’s project The Adventure Triangle. To recap – this European funded, joint council project takes in the mountain ridge running from the A467 Hafodyrynys – Pontypool road to Twmbarwlm and down into Cwmcarn. It will implement proposals identified in the Twmbarlwm and Mynydd Maen Scoping Study of 2015.

The idea is to encourage more people to make use of the mountain ridge for recreation by linking the common and Twmbarwlm to the Cwmcarn Visitor Centre and Forest Drive and to Blaen Bran. Cross common cycling, horse riding and walking routes will link Blaen Bran and Cwmcarn.

The society has had a series of meetings with council officials over the past few months and certain ideas have been agreed and at the moment are being costed before any “real” work starts. I’ve said before that it’s a long list but the initial works that have been generally approved and are being costed include the following:

• Repair floating paths within the SAM and repair fire damage to steps and knee rail.
• Implement the Trig Point project (plinth and interpretation)
• Interpretation at access points on edge of SAM
• Improve and waymark permissive path from car park on south (Risca) side of Twmbarlwm
• Identify, waymark and provide route information for self-guided walks
• Repair erosion scars on southern side of Twmbarlwm
• Undertake bracken control on the SAM and the land to the south of Twmbarlwm
• Improve the appearance of the car park on south side of Twmbarlwm and provide interpretation about the area.
• Maintain and improve fencing and hedge on common boundary – including addition of stone wall at the entry point to the SAM from the ridgeway.
• Undertake works on the ORPA to control surface water run off

We hope to include society volunteers in some of the works so if you are up for some physical work and would like to help us out please get in touch and be sure to watch our website and Facebook page for information.

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REGENERATION AFTER THE FIRES

Separate to the works mentioned above – many of you will remember the re-seeding event of last October. A report has now been produced outlining action to be taken to help with the long-term regeneration of the undergrowth and surface landscape and the Society will once more be part of implementing the strategy – starting with another programme of re-seeding later this spring – we will be letting you know when this happens.

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ARCHAEOLOGY

After the wildfires of last year, some possible new archaeological features have been revealed and so we have been in discussions with Cadw to progress some new archaeological research into the hill-fort. Applications for funding and permissions for this venture are in progress with Cadw and they will be advising us on how to put together a research plan.

It is our intention to involve the community, schools etc. as much as possible – it’s early days in the process but I’m fairly confident something will start fairly soon and if anybody has any expertise in such matters, please get in touch.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 31st March 2019
LITTER PICK AND VOLUNTEER DAY
10:30am

Last Sunday of every month is our Monthly Litter pick and Volunteer Day – meet at the car park below Twmbarlwm 10:30am.

We collect litter from the area immediately around the car park and some of us walk around the wider area to check out fences, paths etc. and effect any repairs if we are able.

Tools, Pickers, Bags and Gloves will be supplied – but more importantly tea and biscuits will be provided for everyone who helps out.

This is a great opportunity to meet other members and learn more about the area and the work that the Society gets involved with.

If you prefer not to drive up the mountain yourself we can often arrange pick ups at Risca Leisure Centre at 10:15am – please contact us to let us know if you would like a lift or indeed if you could offer others a lift. 

Friday 19th April 2019
THE GOOD FRIDAY HOT-CROSS BUN WALK
10:30am and all day long – TWMBARLWM

Again there will be an organised walk for this annual tradition starting at the Stony Bridge on Fields Road, Pontymister at 10:30. There will be other walks starting from Cwmcarn and Cwmbran but times and starting locations have not yet been confirmed – we’ll post more information on our website and Facebook page as soon as possible.

This is always a fabulous family day out and it’s worth the trek just for the views – but as a bonus, CTS will offer Hot Cross Buns FREE (donated by TESCOS) to all who reach the summit. (Those on our organised walks served first with FREE buns) .

Bring a picnic – see the work done by CTS and enjoy a healthy, family day out in the wonderful, historic landscape on our doorstep.

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BOOKS FOR SALE

We have been donated quantities of a couple of books by local authors for us to sell and raise money for the society. One is “Western Valley Walks” by Ralph Collins which we sell at just £2.50 – and the other book is “A Year on a Brecon Farm” by Haydn Llewellyn Davies for £5.00. Go to the ‘shop’ tab on our website for more info.

 

More info available on our website.

Many Regards

TERRY EVANS
Chairman Cymdeithas Twmbarlwm Society

 

Address general queries to: twmbarlwmsociety@gmail.com