It started with a new way of learning – Gwynfor’s story

Learning doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some young people, confidence and skills grow best outside the classroom.

Gwynfor’s story shows how a community woodland project helped him find a new way to learn, work, give back and even win awards for doing it. It also shows how practical, outdoor projects create opportunities for young people and strengthen local communities.  

The Climate Action Fund (CAF) supports communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in environmental action, including Rhondda Skyline, part of Welcome to Our Woods.   
 
Before the qualifications, the job and the recognition, it started with a local woodland and a young lad looking for a different way to learn. 

Planting the idea 

Welcome to Our Woods supports young people through outdoor learning and hands-on woodland skills. 

The project began when its founder, Ian, noticed local boys lighting fires in nearby woods. Rather than seeing this as something to shut down, he saw a chance to offer something positive. Ian saw it as a safe, supported way to learn about nature, responsibility and caring for the land. This led to the creation of a fire pit, which enabled the community to interact with nature in a safe way. 

Gwynfor was one of the young people who joined. Like many others, he found a place where he could focus, learn in his own way and feel part of something that mattered. 

Turning over a new leaf 

By the age of 14, Gwynfor was finding school difficult. Traditional classrooms just weren’t working for him.  

Learning outdoors gave him a fresh start. Through Welcome to Our Woods, he picked up practical skills like fire lighting and woodland management. He also began to feel more confident in himself. 

That confidence didn’t stop at the woodland. Gwynfor started to focus more in school and even his teachers noticed a real change. 

With this renewed energy, Gwynfor gained qualifications and secured an apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation. 

His work was recognised nationally when he earned national recognition as Apprentice of the Year and was invited to Number 10. It was Gwynfor’s first visit to London on his own. Although navigating the tube reminded him why he liked the woods so much, it was a powerful moment that showed how far he had come.

Exploring new paths 

Thanks to CAF funding, Gwynfor now works as a Site Supervisor at Welcome to Our Woods. 

In his role, he supports young people who may not thrive in traditional education. He helps them try something new, spend time outdoors and see what might be possible for their future. 

“Because I didn’t enjoy school but loved being outdoors, being able to teach that side of learning to younger people is really rewarding. Some will enjoy it, some won’t – but it gives them the chance to find something they might want to do for a living. – Gwynfor, Site Supervisor at Welcome to Our Woods

The ripple effect 

Projects like Welcome to Our Woods don’t just support individuals, they create benefits that ripple into the wider community. Through this project, outdoor spaces are made more accessible. It creates benches and paths allowing people more space in which to be active and spend time outside. And, it helps young people develop a sense of care for their local environment. 

It may seem small, but like trees growing from seeds, these acts spark positive change for everyone.  

Get started 

For Gwynfor, Welcome to the Woods was more than a project. It helped him discover his strengths and build a career he cares about. 

Now, he’s helping other young people take their first steps in the same way. 

We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes. We offer grants from £300 up to £20,000 through our open Awards for All programme to grants over £500,000 through our Climate Action Fund. 

Find out more about environment funding in your area and apply