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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
4.4 Physical Access 50
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
5.4 Physical Access 63
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 5
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 6
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 7
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 8
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 9
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 10
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 11
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 12
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 13
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 14
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 15
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 16
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 17
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 18
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 19
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 20
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 21
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 22
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 23
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/
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 24
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 25
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
Stevens & Associates, 2006
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 26
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 27
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 28
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 29
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 30
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 31
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 32
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 33
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 34
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)
Wales Swansea Penderry Penllergaer Cockett
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 35
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
Penderry 7: Ranked 8th most deprived in Swansea overall.
Ranked 6th under income domain and third under education domain
Penderry 3: Ranked 10th most deprived in Swansea overall.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 36
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 37
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 38
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 39
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 Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 40
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 41
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
Swansea Community Farm
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 42
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 43
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 44
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 45
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
Stevens & Associates, 2006
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 46
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 47
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 48
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 49
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 50
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]
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 51
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 52
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 53
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 54
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 55
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 56
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]
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 57
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 58
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 59
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 60
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 61
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 62
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
Barrier Action Partners Priority Resources
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 63
users. Gwendraeth Training
Graybeards Wood
5.4 Physical Access
See the Conservation Management Plan for more proposals for physical access.
Barrier Action Partners Priority Resources
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
Swansea Community Farm
3
5.5 Visitor Interpretation and Information
Barrier Action Partners Priority Resources
5.1 Social and Cultural
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
5.2 Social and cultural
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
5.3 Social and cultural
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 64
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
Barrier Action Partners Priority Resources
6.1 Social and cultural
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 65
6.2 Social and cultural
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
6.3 Social and cultural
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
6.5 Social and Cultural
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
6.7 Social and cultural
Produce all printed materials and pages on the website bilingually: English/Welsh
WLB 2 Grants available from the WLB
6.8 Social and cultural
Promote the site through the publications and websites of existing local organisations.
Sustainable Swansea
Environment Centre
SEEF
Disability Forum
Gateway Gardens Trust
1
6.9 Social and cultural
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
Swansea Community Farm
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 66
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
Barrier Action Partners Priority Resources
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
7.3 Social and cultural
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
7.7 Social and cultural
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
7.8 Social and Cultural
Engage with all local Development Trust and Communities First organisations to develop opportunities for social enterprises, volunteering and training opportunities.
GDT
MDT
BPP
1
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 67
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
9.5 Social and cultural
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 68
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
9.12 Social and cultural
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 69
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
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 70
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)
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 71
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.
Penllergare Valley Woods Audience, Access Development and Training Plan - 2008 72
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
Per week 310 5,270 (17 weeks)
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
Per week 505 4,545 (9 weeks)
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
Other (please write in) 1
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
Other (please write in) 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
Other (please write in) 0
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)
Penllergaer Roundabout (PR)
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)
Penllergaer Roundabout (PR)
Parc Penllergaer
Mondays to Saturdays No Sunday service No Bank Holiday service
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)
Mondays to Saturdays No Sunday service No Bank Holiday service
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)
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
Wales Swansea Penderry Penllergaer Cockett
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
Swansea Community Farm
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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Appendix 9
School Consultations
The New National Curriculum
Courses run by Further and Higher Education establishments
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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