Bryn Arw Walk 2026

Around 60 people gathered on Bryn Arw hill on Good Friday, 3 April, for a celebratory walk to mark the success of the ambitious tree‑planting programme that has transformed the hillside. Bracing winds and clear skies provided a fitting backdrop for reflections on progress, community effort, and the future of native woodland. 

Bryn Arw now hosts 135,000 of the 500,000 trees planted so far, a major contribution to Stump Up For Trees initiative’s journey towards planting one million trees. By planting without plastic tree guards on the hillside here through overplanting, the project has also averted the use of an estimated 20,000 tonnes of plastic on the hillside. 

During the walk, Rob Penn, Keith Powell, and Jenny Knight shared valuable insights into the planting process, including successes, challenges, and the importance of choosing native species while anticipating future climatic change. Stories of thriving habitats, rare moth sightings – including clearwing species – and emotional moments highlighted the deep connection forming between people, place, and nature. 

The event ended with a vast amount of tea and cake at the tree nursery, accompanied by conversation and a palpable sense of achievement. For many, the day captured more than environmental success: it reflected community, shared purpose, and a growing landscape that tells a hopeful story for the future.

Our fantastic volunteer Virginia created a lovely video of the day: