Growing a Community Woodland for People and Nature in North Pembrokeshire

We are delighted to share that CoedUNO is becoming a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient community woodland, thanks to a grant of £151,015 from the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG).

CoedUNO, previously known as Hwb Dysgu'r Tir, is a two-acre woodland and outdoor learning site based in Tegryn, in North Pembrokeshire. Designed using permaculture principles, the site has been carefully shaped to work in harmony with nature, creating a space where plants, wildlife, and people can thrive together. It is part of the wider National Forest for Wales, a Welsh Government-supported initiative to create a connected network of woodlands across the country for people to enjoy, learn from, and care for.

The project is led by Beccy Jesson, alongside team members Kevin Rabbitt and Sophie Jenkins. Together, they manage the woodland and develop opportunities for the local community to get involved, learn new skills, and spend time outdoors in a meaningful way.

The TWIG funding, delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the National Forest for Wales programme, will support a range of improvements to the site. These include the creation of accessible pathways to ensure that more people can explore the woodland with ease, the installation of an accessible compost toilet, and the construction of a multi-use shelter that will provide a welcoming space for learning, workshops, and community gatherings. These developments will make CoedUNO more inclusive and comfortable for visitors of all ages and abilities.

At its heart, CoedUNO is not only a woodland but a place of learning and connection. The project will expand its volunteering opportunities, welcoming individuals, schools, and community groups to take part in caring for the land. Alongside this, the team will deliver workshops and training in woodland skills, as well as develop digital and bilingual learning resources to help more people engage with nature. Additional support from the National Forest for Wales Landscape Scheme and the National Lottery Awards for All programme will help extend this work across North Pembrokeshire, encouraging wider community involvement and deeper connections with the natural environment.

CoedUNO is open and accessible to everyone, offering a space where people can learn, explore, or simply enjoy the calm and beauty of the outdoors. By improving biodiversity, supporting education, and bringing people together, the woodland plays an important role in nurturing both the environment and the community.

As Project Coordinator Beccy Jesson explains, “The TWIG grant is an incredible boost for CoedUNO. It allows us to make the woodland welcoming for everyone while supporting learning, skills development, and conservation that benefits both people and nature.”

CoedUNO is growing into a truly special place where people and nature flourish side by side—a community woodland for everyone to enjoy.

Find out more about this Cwm Arian project here.