A couple of months ago we put out an appeal for votes for our local community woodland group, Llyn Parc Mawr, who had been shortlisted for a sustainability award sponsored by M & S. The aim of the group, which Halen Môn’s David is involved in, is to establish a sustainable woodland centre to benefit wildlife and contribute to the well-being of the community of Newborough. In other words, it plans to reconnect people with what is on their doorstep here on the salty isle.
We had hundreds of votes for our group to win a grant from M & S, but not quite enough to win in the way that we had hoped. Very happily though, we were surprised to be chosen for the judge’s choice award instead. The Head of Sustainability at M & S, Jonathan Hazeldine, commented:
“The judges were particularly struck with the project’s income initiative, working on the making of charcoal to develop a renewable income for the park. It was fantastic to see this level of community determination to take on the build independently and the ambition to be 100% sustainable.”
The group is planning on spending the £11k award on solar panels for their container, solar-powered wildlife cameras, a composting toilet, a charcoal maker, a wood burner, and a log-drying shed. The group has placed its first order with Newborough carpenter Wyn Owen, who will be constructing a noticeboard to help keep everyone up to date with the group, and details of upcoming events.
A huge DIOLCH to everyone who voted and helped spread the word. The group’s physical investments should happen next Autumn, but regular events will be on throughout the year so keep an eye out for details.