Cilrhedyn Woodland Centre: A new approach

A project using Cilrhedyn Woodland Centre to support and train people in woodland and timber work in Pembrokeshire has been funded by Arwain Sir Benfro.

Tir Coed, a charity and social enterprise that engages people with woodlands, will utilise the facilities at the Cilrhedyn Woodland Centre to facilitate, support and develop people to better use the natural resources of the region.

Arwain Sir Benfro – the Local Action Group (LAG) for Pembrokeshire, administered by PLANED provided funding of £7,500 to Tir Coed. This is funded through the LEADER programme, which is part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, Funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The project will create a management hub and will ensure that partnership work is promoted and resources are shared for added value.  The site will provide drying, kilning facilities and technical advice and support for the conversion of timber from Pembrokeshire woodlands with links to higher value markets across Wales.

A primary focus will be a woodland and timber business incubation model, enabling opportunities for local people and trainees who have progressed through the Tir Coed training model to start their own enterprise by accessing a workshop space and enterprise support.

Free workshop space and support will be offered each year; trainees will be able to access this provision for a number of years.