What if we put fungi at the heart of woodland conservation?
At Coed Talylan, we’re developing an ambitious project to establish the Reffwngiwm – a nature reserve dedicated to fungal biodiversity, where conservation, ecological research and community involvement come together.
Our vision is to protect and restore 26 acres of woodland on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, transforming areas of former conifer plantation into a thriving, diverse woodland ecosystem, with fungi at the heart of its conservation and management.
Fungi are fundamental to life in woodlands. They form intimate relationships with trees and plants, recycle nutrients, decompose deadwood and sustain complex ecological networks. Yet despite their extraordinary diversity and importance, fungi remain largely overlooked in nature conservation.
The Reffwngiwm is an opportunity to do things differently.
We want to create a living laboratory for fungal conservation: a woodland where we can study the remarkable diversity of fungi and their relationships with plants, animals and the wider environment, while exploring how woodland management can actively support fungal biodiversity.
Working with naturalists, ecologists, researchers and volunteers, we aim to undertake ecological surveys, develop a growing record of woodland biodiversity, experiment with habitat restoration and co-design a long-term Biodiversity Action Plan that places fungi at its centre.
Just as importantly, we want the Reffwngiwm to become a place where people can come together to explore, learn, share knowledge and participate directly in nature conservation.
Securing the Woodland for Future Generations
We’re currently seeking funding to acquire a 999-year lease on the woodland, securing its future as a dedicated fungal nature reserve.
Through community involvement, ecological research and practical conservation, we hope to establish a long-term model for fungi-centred woodland management that could inspire similar projects elsewhere.
This is an opportunity not only to protect an important woodland habitat, but also to demonstrate how putting fungi at the heart of conservation can benefit the wider ecosystem.
Help Us Shape the Future of the Reffwngiwm
We’d really like to hear what you think.
Whether you’re a local resident, naturalist, woodland enthusiast or simply someone who cares about biodiversity, your views can help shape the project.
We’ve put together a short questionnaire to understand what people think of the proposal, what activities they would like to see and how they might want to get involved.
Your feedback will help us develop our plans and demonstrate community interest and support as we seek funding to establish the Reffwngiwm.
[Complete our short questionnaire – Tell us what you think]
Get Involved – Join Our Volunteer Programme
We’re also inviting volunteers to help us survey the woodland, investigate its biodiversity and develop its long-term conservation plan.
You don’t need specialist knowledge or experience, just an interest in the natural world and a willingness to get involved.
Call for Volunteers – Reffwngiwm
Together, we hope to establish a woodland refuge where fungi, and the extraordinary diversity of life they support, can flourish for generations to come.
