Project Outline

Walters were appointed following a competitive tender process. They delivered the works on behalf of Natural Resources Wales, funded by the Welsh Government Nature Fund. The project involved preparing 50 acres of land on the site of the former Coegnant Colliery (in the Upper Llynfi Valley), for woodland planting – by the re-cultivation of disused colliery spoil. As well as creating a cleaner, greener space that people can enjoy, the new woodland is intended to tackle the risk of flooding by restricting how much water is able to flow off the site, while creating habitats that will support a greater variety of wildlife and help boost local biodiversity in the valley.

Project Delivery

The site was divided into 35 compartments, then over 3km of silt fencing was installed to help protect environmentally-sensitive receptors from sediments in surface water runoff. The project also involved very careful working around existing, mature vegetation, which was to be protected and retained on the site. Operations were particularly challenging due to the large open work areas (which had significant public interfaces). This was additionally complicated by the steep, often loose embankments, on which the heavy plant required for the job was operating.

Spirit of Llynfi Woodland

The completed woodland was subsequently christened “Coetir Ysbryd y Llynfi”, (The Spirit of Llynfi Woodland), a name chosen by local schoolchildren, councilors and Communities First representatives. A 9ft Tall oak sculpture “The Keeper” was recently unveiled at the site. The entire project was delivered within 75% of the initial programme period, with zero accidents or environmental incidents.

Natural Resources Wales

Peter Cloke (Project Manager for Natural Resources Wales) commented “Walters really engaged with NRW and the local community “to help us deliver the extensive groundworks needed for planting this new woodland. They undertook their work professionally, within a tight deadline and with due consideration for the environmentally sensitive nature of the site.
Read more here” http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/sixty-thousand-new-trees-make-10378912