Despite persistent rain, a determined group of local volunteers gathered in Three Cocks last month to plant the foundations of a new community woodland, demonstrating the power of local action for nature and people.

Around 20 volunteers, ranging in age from toddlers to residents in their eighties, turned out for the first Community Action Sunday, a new monthly volunteering initiative led by Three Cocks Matters Community Group. In just over an hour, the group successfully planted 300 native trees across the Gwernyfed Estate, creating a new woodland space that will support biodiversity and community wellbeing for years to come.

The trees were supplied with the support of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust through the Wye Adapt to Climate Change Project. They included a diverse mix of native species such as oak, hazel, birch, hawthorn, dog rose and holly. This variety has been carefully chosen to provide food, shelter and habitat for a wide range of wildlife, while also helping the landscape become more resilient to climate change. 

Community Action Sunday was designed to be simple and welcoming. Volunteers were able to come along for as much or as little time as they could spare, with tasks suitable for all ages and abilities. For many, it was their first time taking part in a community environmental project.

Nick Pritchard, Chair of Three Cocks Matters Community Group, said:

“What really stood out was the mix of people who came along. We had families, older residents, and people who had never volunteered before, all working side by side. Even with the rain, the atmosphere was incredibly positive, and planting all 300 trees together in such a short time was a fantastic achievement.”

Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, the planting day marked an important step in a wider effort to regenerate local green spaces for both nature and people. As the trees grow, the woodland will provide habitat for birds, insects and small mammals, improve soil health, and contribute to cleaner air and climate resilience.

The project also reflects a strong partnership approach. The woodland forms part of the wider Green Spaces Project, being progressed collaboratively between Three Cocks Matters Community Group, Gwernyfed Community Council and Powys County Council. Powys County Council has confirmed that the planted areas will be excluded from routine mowing to allow the trees to establish successfully.

To help protect the site and explain its purpose, interpretation signs will be installed at either end of the woodland. These signs describe what has been planted, outline the benefits of the woodland, and ask visitors to respect the area while the young trees and wildlife become established.

Community Action Sunday will now take place on the third Sunday of every month, with future sessions focusing on a range of practical activities such as maintaining paths, improving habitats and caring for shared spaces. The aim is to keep volunteering accessible, friendly and rooted in local pride.

“This woodland is something the community has created together,” Nick added. “These trees will outlast all of us, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that a couple of muddy hours on a wet Sunday morning can leave such a positive legacy.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to look out for future Community Action Sundays and get involved, whether for a full session or just a short while. As this first event showed, many hands really do make light work.