Just a Quick Note – July 2025
Just a Quick Note
4th July 2025
The e-newsletter of the Twmbarlwm Society
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE DOCUMENT HERE
Hello Folks
Hope you are all still enjoying this lovely weather, and if you are looking for something useful to do this weekend here’s a quick reminder that this weekend includes the first Sunday of the month (6th July) and therefore our litter pick day …
It was relatively neat and tidy when we were up there last month and we spent more time drinking tea rather than picking litter – but let’s not get complacent and meet up for another good clean up, see below for details.
NEW FENCE and CONSERVATION
I’m pleased to announce that our contractors have completed the reinforcement work on the fence on the north-east side of the Twmp – stretching from the dry-stone wall to the edge of the forestry. This stretch of fence has been continually targeted for the past few years – the fence has been cut and the stile repeatedly vandalised, someone must have a real issue with the fence being there, but they must be made aware that the fence is there for a reason, and that is to restrict the number of cattle that can access the Twmp itself.
We are supposed to be implementing a process of “Conservation Grazing” on the hill-fort whereby a limited number of cattle are allowed on top to help control the rate of encroachment of bracken and the re-growth of the natural sward since the wildfires of several years ago. The Commoners are allowed to graze their cattle and sheep along the whole ridgeway – but only a few are necessary on the summit to keep the undergrowth in check, too many would create more problems and even destroy it entirely.
The constant destruction of the fence has hampered our efforts to implement the “Conservation Grazing” policy – and furthermore there have been many reports of livestock being able to get through the fence at that point and they wander on down the hill, past Pegwn-y-Bwlch, to the Darren creating a matter of concern for the cattle and residents.
Now that we have installed a stronger fence there, which is also covered by CCTV, we hope it will dissuade the determined vandals and get our aims back on track.
I should also remind you all to be aware that the farmers’ livestock is now out on the mountain and that you should be vigilant about making sure the corral gate by the car park remains closed – and if you are walking your dog up there make sure they are kept under proper control – preferably on a short lead – and don’t let them chase the sheep or cattle. Also, if you find, or know of, any breaks in the fences that can potentially let the cattle through – please let us know so that we can inform the proper people to get them repaired.
The Monthly Litter Pick:–
LITTER PICK – now the first Sunday of the Month
…next up = SUNDAY 6th July 2025
We are usually there for a couple of hours and we collect litter from the area immediately around the car park and some of us walk around the wider area to check out fences, paths etc. and effect any repairs if we are able. Tools, Pickers, Bags and Gloves will be supplied.
This is also a great opportunity to meet other members and learn more about the area and the work that the Society gets involved with.
Please make your own way to the car park at the end of Mountain Road, below the Twmp. We will provide tea and bikkies to all helpers after the pick and there will be soft drinks on offer too – or bring your own picnic if you need to.
Be aware that nowadays the weather forecasters often declare extreme weather conditions with their yellow, amber or red warnings – if that occurs we are likely to cancel the litter pick so please check our Facebook and website pages in advance. In any case, remember it’s always a coat colder and much wetter up the mountain than down in the valley – so please make sure you dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.
But don’t forget – if you are taking a walk on Twmbarlwm any day of the week for exercise or walking the dog, why not think about taking a rubbish bag with you to collect any litter on your way – every little helps. If you do leave any filled bags in the corner of the car park, make sure to let us know so that we can inform the council to collect it.
Other News
Wind Farms
I’ve mentioned the Rhyswg Wind Farm proposals in this Newsletter previously so I’m not going into detail here again – but many people have recently received leaflets through the door from the developers Pennant Walters explaining the development and inviting comments on their consultation period. The leaflets have awoken a wider interest in the scheme and I would urge people to form their own opinions on the scheme and look at the information on http://www.rhyswgwindfarm.co.uk .
Or you could consider joining the Mynydd Maen Wind Farm Action Group – their website (http://www.mynydd-maen.co.uk) gives all the relevant information about the proposals and it includes an online form that you can easily fill in on-line to lodge your opinions. The group also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/mynyddmaen
Also Twmbarlwm related,
…for those interested in art – I told you about the exhibition mentioned below last month and I went along to see it – I was very impressed with some of Mark’s work, I think it’s well worth a visit.
An exhibition of work by Mark Williams at Barnabas Arts House, Newport. The exhibition is entitled Hill of Dreams and is there from 3rd June to 2nd August 2025.
Much of Mark’s work is inspired by the work of Welsh victorian author, Arthur Machen who wrote mysterious gothic tales of Twmbarlwm. For those that remember, it was one of Mark’s paintings that was used on the original Twmbarlwm Ale back when the society first started – and features on the exhibition poster.
Visit https://www.barnabasartshouse.co.uk/ for more info.
For news of future events, please keep a look out for announcements through this newsletter, our website and Facebook pages
USEFUL INFO
What3Words location (for car park) = [ironic.sweetened.people]
What3Words location (the Twmp) = [graphic.impresses.deadline]
Nearest post code is Maes Mawr Farm – the car park is another 400 yards past the farm NP11 6FY
GET INVOLVED
Please pass this message on if you can’t help out yourself … “Remember – it would be really useful to get some feedback from other members who walk up there and to give us a report on what they see. Not just the bad stuff like the illegal off-roading, vandalism and fly-tipping – but the good stuff, like what wildlife you spot up there or have you chatted to visitors from far flung places? – what’s their story? – what’s your story?.”
If you feel like writing a few words of your experience of a visit to Twmbarlwm – or have taken some smashing photos – I’ll include it in this Newsletter and put it on our website. Come on get more active – you joined this society because you love the mountain, let us know what you think.
