Michael Norman

For almost twenty years, Michael Norman has worked tirelessly, in a purely voluntary capacity, for the protection and restoration of Penllergare Valley Woods.
This extraordinary site in north Swansea is a heritage asset of national importance that had almost been lost forever to development, decay, vandalism and neglect.
Initially under the auspices of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, Michael campaigned for the protection of the site then in 2000, he helped establish the Penllergare Trust. In 2005, under Michael’s leadership, the Trust set-up the Friends of Penllergare Valley Woods and an education programme was initiated. Michael raised £900,000 in grants and donations to invest in remediation and management of the woodlands to make them safer and more accessible for the people to enjoy.
Michael’s tenacity, commitment and achievements laid a strong foundation for the Trust’s recent successes in securing a long-term lease and gaining £3million funding. The judges noted that Michael’s efforts have helped the Trust to overcome huge external barriers and that he has sought to encompass a broad range of sustainability issues within the project.