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Aim: Help Us Refurbish the Heart of Longwood – Our Unique Visitor Centre
Longwood, Wales’s largest community-owned woodland, is a place of deep roots and strong connections. Spanning 325 acres and managed by the community since 2004, Longwood represents a bold vision of local stewardship, sustainability, and environmental education. In 2012, thanks to National Lottery funding, the community purchased the woodland from the Forestry Commission and built a one-of-a-kind visitor centre—crafted with care, using local materials and green technologies.
This remarkable building was designed to live lightly on the land: a timber frame with straw bale walls, solar panels, an off-grid borehole, and timber sourced directly from Longwood to keep its carbon footprint as small as possible.
But now, this cherished space is at risk.
A recent structural inspection revealed serious issues with the timber foundation raft and roof cladding. The original untreated cladding, designed to last 10 years, has reached the end of its life. Meanwhile, the foundation raft—critical to the building’s integrity—requires urgent inspection and likely repair, which means lifting the entire structure with specialist equipment.
To ensure the visitor centre remains safe, accessible, and open to all, we need your help.
What Needs to Be Done:
Replace the roof cladding with durable, eco-friendly materials, and install new guttering
Lift and inspect the building, and repair or replace damaged sections of the timber foundation raft
Upgrade the solar panel system for better efficiency (including careful removal and reinstallation)
Replace the access ramp to maintain safe and inclusive entry for everyone
The visitor centre is far more than just a building. It’s a warm hub for learning, seasonal events, volunteer days, training, and community gatherings. Its closure affects schoolchildren, conservation groups, local residents, and everyone who finds peace and inspiration in Longwood.
How You Can Help:
We’ve launched this Crowdfunder to raise the funds needed for these essential repairs. Every donation will go directly toward the costs of contractors, materials, and equipment. Whether you give £5 or £500, you’ll be helping protect this vital community asset for generations to come.
Together, we can restore Longwood’s centre—not just as a structure, but as the heart of our woodland community.
Thank you for your support. Please donate if you can, and share this campaign to help us reach more people who care.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 6th August 2025 at 11:43am