- Work with us
- Land stewards
Land stewards
- Businesses & individualsBusinesses & individuals
- CollaboratorsCollaborators
- Our projects
- About us
- Resources
Bryn Arw
Nestled in the heart of Wales’ Brecon Beacons National Park, Bryn Arw woodland is bringing new life to the Black Mountains. By planting 130,000 native broadleaf trees, this restoration project enhances local biodiversity, connects vital habitats, and plays a significant role in climate change mitigation.
Bryn Arw, planted in 2020, is a transformative woodland project located on 61 hectares of common land in the Black Mountains, within the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. Spearheaded by Dr Keith Powell and Robert Penn of Stump Up for Trees, alongside the Bryn Arw Commoners Association and Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales), the project has brought new life to an area previously dominated by bracken.
The carefully selected species mix reflects the region's ancient woodlands, contributing to habitat restoration and biodiversity uplift. By linking three remnant woodlands on the lower slopes with the Coed-y-Cerrig National Nature Reserve, Bryn Arw Woodland strengthens the local ecological networks, benefiting a wide range of wildlife.
According to our Woodland Carbon Code-validated calculations, the woodland will sequester just under 29,000 tonnes of CO₂ over the next 100 years, making a vital contribution to climate change mitigation.
This project could not have been achieved without the unwavering support of local communities, organisations, and individuals who believed in its potential. A heartfelt thank you to all those who made Bryn Arw Woodland possible. Your support continues to have a lasting impact on both the landscape and the fight against climate change.
Certified under the Woodland Carbon Code, the UK’s government-backed standard for carbon-funded woodland creation.
2025
2021
Species mix
0%
Birch
0%
Oak
0%
Rowan
0%
*Other
*Predominantly native broadleaves
Co-benefits
Biodiversity uplift
Bryn Arw Woodland rejuvenates habitats, boosting biodiversity by supporting a variety of local flora and fauna.
Community involvement
Local community members are actively involved in the project, benefiting from job creation and skills development.
Public green space
The woodland is accessible to the public with pathways and gates, providing a new green space for the local community to enjoy.
Flood mitigation
The woodland helps reduce flood risk by absorbing and slowing surface water, preventing soil erosion and mitigating flooding.
Habitat corridors
By linking fragmented habitats, the woodland connects existing woodlands and the Coed-y-Cerrig National Nature Reserve, improving wildlife movement.
Our involvement
Bryn Arw is a great example of how flexible funding models, cross-sector collaboration, and careful project stewardship can bring ambitious woodland creation projects to life, even in complex ownership settings like common land.
Step 1
Evaluated the opportunity
We began by assessing the site’s eligibility for Woodland Carbon Code certification, identifying both its potential and practical barriers. This included mapping the land, forecasting carbon revenue, and confirming the viability of validation.
Step 2
Secured grant support
We helped the project access crucial grant funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), providing an essential foundation for early-stage costs.
Step 3
Enabled upfront delivery
Although carbon payments are typically made after validation, we recognised that upfront costs would be a major barrier to planting. But we believed in the project, so we approached Utility Warehouse and secured an advance payment covering 80% of the project’s costs. Forest Carbon contributed the remainder.
Step 4
Managed the funding flow
To keep things on track, Forest Carbon held and administered all project funds. Keith Powell of Stump Up for Trees coordinated the work on the ground, while we processed and paid invoices from suppliers and labourers directly, ensuring transparency, continuity, and speed of delivery.
Step 5
Delivered successful certification
With stakeholder input and our guidance, the project achieved Woodland Carbon Code validation. Our 15+ years of experience with the Code helped streamline what can be a complex process, particularly on common land.
Step 6
Sold the carbon
We connected the project with Utility Warehouse, a buyer aligned in values and committed to UK-based nature solutions. We managed the full sales process, including contract negotiation, and supported final payments to the Bryn Arw Commoners Association.
Step 7
Continue to steward the project
Our involvement didn’t end with the sale. We continue to manage and finance Bryn Arw’s Woodland Carbon Code obligations, helping ensure long-term delivery of both climate and biodiversity outcomes.
Forest Carbon were totally integral to the success of this project. By directly dealing with Forest Carbon ourselves, we could channel that cash back into the community.
Funded by
Project status
Registered
Aiming for verification, but planting and verification are yet to occur.
Validated
Planted. An initial quality check has been carried out by a third party.
Verified
Meets Code standards, verified by an accredited assessor. Ongoing checks ahead.
Want to back a project like Bryn Arw?
Bryn Arw was made possible by people committed to restoring UK nature. If you're looking to make a similar impact, explore the projects you can support today.
