Re-Wilding Preperations Begin!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This marks the long-awaited full coverage of the Pont-Y-Pandy Woodlands Rewilding a chapter many may have heard whispers of, but few witnessed in full. Now, for the first time, the entire story will be told from beginning to end, and through the lens of greater experience and ecological understanding. In this first part, we revisit the initial preparations a stage that ultimately redefined our approach. While there had been a meticulously planned outline for the project, a dramatic and unforeseen shift in the woodland’s ecological dynamics forced us to rethink everything.

The Original Plan

In the beginning, our goal was straightforward: to use the surrounding wildscape to help repopulate Pont-Y-Pandy’s declining woodland ecosystem. This was no simple task. The woodlands were already showing significant signs of depletion, and wild growth was minimal. Our plan focused on identifying critically declining areas, mapping them in detail, and then using what viable soil and plant matter we could find to strengthen these vulnerable zones without disturbing the broader ecosystem. Equally important was the need to restore the pathways. Many had become hazardous due to erosion, fallen debris, and neglect. Preparing for this phase was a time-intensive process. Alongside the ecological aims, we were also simultaneously planning the rewilding rollout a daunting dual focus that demanded both historical insight and technical knowledge. I relied heavily on years of self-directed learning and research across fields such as environmental science, soil dynamics, and digital mapping to make sense of the challenges ahead.

After several days of on-site analysis including soil testing, wildlife observation, and environmental photography it became clear that changes in seasonal behavior and natural shifts in the landscape were going to shape the project far more than anticipated. Rather than delaying the work, we responded in real time. Using 360-degree camera technology, we completed an experimental digital risk assessment field trial. Although the camera quality was modest, the trial was a success in terms of proof-of-concept: we could plan and document in real time. From this foundation, the rewilding strategy began to take form. It was clear that this wasn't just a short-term initiative this was the first real test of whether Lunacare Cymru could become a sustainable environmental venture.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, stay tuned for Part 2 of the rewilding series where we begin the groundwork in earnest and navigate the seasonal shift from winter to spring. Until the next time… Take care.

Michael “Druid” Thomas
Lunacare Cymru | Media – Blog