Locals are being given the chance to have their say in the controversial Brownhill woodland site earmarked for land near Llangadog in the Tywi Valley.

The woodland has already gained considerable cirticism from locals who fear that valuable agricultural land will be lost in its development.

But this week Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed that locals are being given the opportunity to voice their concerns with the aim of ensuring that any potential impacts on the surrounding area are considered during the planning process.

They have organised a community drop-in event which is scheduled to take place on March 9 at Llangadog village hall between noon and 7pm.

“We want to work closely with families, communities and partners to seek their views in planning and shaping the woodlands as a safe, accessible space for reflection and recreation", commented Miriam Jones-Walters of the NRW.

“We encourage people who live in the area to come along on March 9 or to take part in our online consultation and have their say."

The Brownhill site has been confirmed as one of three planned locations for memorial woodlands in Wales, which were announced last month by the First Minister,Mark Drakeford.

The ambition is for the woodlands to be seen as a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic and one of regeneration and renewal as they grow.

“We intend this to be just the beginning of our consultation, and there will be other opportunities over the spring and summer to help plan and shape this site," continued Miriam Jones-Walters.

“We hope the woodland at Brownhill will become a living, growing area for the community to enjoy, and a place where people can visit to remember their loved ones.

Locals are also being invited to take part in the online consultation which opened yesterday (March 1), and will continue until April 26.  To find out more, visit 

Woodland Creation at Brownhill - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space (cyfoethnaturiol.cymru)

Alternatively, residents can call 0300 065 3000 to request a hard copy of the consultation.