In the heart of the Cynon Valley, Dare Valley Community Woodland stands as a thriving example of what can happen when community, creativity and care for the environment come together.

What began as a small local youth project has blossomed into a vibrant community hub rooted in wellbeing, education and inclusion.

From Vision to Woodland

The story of Dare Valley Community Woodland began long before the land was officially theirs. The group originally formed through a Duke of Edinburgh youth programme, but when that initiative ended and their previous woodland lease was lost in 2017, they faced an uncertain future.

Instead of giving up, they turned a challenge into an opportunity. A group of local residents, passionate about nature and community, worked with Cwmpas (Wales Cooperative) to develop a Community Benefit Society, powered by a social investment share offer.

Eleven founding members came together to collectively purchase the land, creating what is now known as a green hub: a woodland space for people to learn, relax, connect and grow together.

A Place for Everyone

Today, Dare Valley Community Woodland is home to a thriving mix of activities and groups, all connected by a shared love for the outdoors and community spirit.

From beekeeping and land-working skills, to yoga, meditation, and storytelling sessions around the campfire, the woodland welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Families, children, and volunteers gather to learn, play, and connect with nature, often through creative, hands-on experiences.

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything they do. Many of their programmes are designed with neurodivergent children and volunteers in mind, making the woodland a safe, welcoming and accessible space. Activities are tailored to engage people who may feel isolated or excluded elsewhere, including dads and grandads who have found new ways to take part in childcare and play sessions.

Building Community, One Project at a Time

Perhaps one of the most striking symbols of their community spirit is the roundhouse, a striking structure built entirely as a local project. Funded with the help of an RCT maths grant, the roundhouse celebrated both craft and learning, teaching participants about the maths and geometry of building while creating something lasting and beautiful.

Every year, the woodland continues to evolve organically. New species are discovered in the area, reinforcing the group’s sense of stewardship for the land and their belief that they are “caring for the woods on behalf of future generations.”

Nature as the Third Teacher

For the children who visit Dare Valley Forest School, the woodland is more than a playground, it’s a classroom. The group embraces the idea of the “environment as the third teacher”, letting nature guide learning through exploration, observation and creativity.

Their approach has made a profound difference for children and families who thrive outside traditional settings. The woodland provides calm, safety, and space, a rare combination that promotes both wellbeing and curiosity.

Growing Together

Run entirely by volunteers and a dedicated committee, Dare Valley Community Woodland continues to nurture both people and place. Their projects attract a mix of local volunteers, from schools and colleges to retirees and families, all united by the joy of working with nature.

Every new project, from planting trees to building ponds, brings the community together once again, proving that when people share a common purpose, even a small group can achieve something extraordinary.

Dare Valley Community Woodland stands as a shining example of grassroots action, community ownership and environmental care. It’s a place where nature heals, people connect and the future grows greener, one project, one story and one tree at a time.