Vale Ltd - Woodland Walk

The Vale refinery in Clydach has over 200 staff and produces nickel pellet and powder products. Aware that they had small areas of unused land around their site, they commissioned a wildlife survey on a small area of woodland.
Volunteers from the local wildlife trust and staff from the refinery worked together to clear pathways, build seating areas and establish a small woodland walk. A local sculptor created a large green man seat to provide a focal point for storytelling and educational activities.
The woodland walk was formally opened in September by Iolo Williams with local school children taking part in a bird box making workshop. Refinery staff have also collaborated with the Woodland Trust to develop curriculum-based activities and school pupils have started to make use of the site.
The company also worked with Sustrans to make land available for the National Cycle Route 43, with a local artist designing features along the Tawe bridge section of the path.
The judges said this project was a great demonstration of private sector involvement in environmental action and with their local community.

2012 Community Project Award runners up