Bryngarw Country Park – Awen Cultural Trust
Valleys Regional Park
Valleys Regional Park (VRP) is a partnership of Welsh organisations, including councils and charities, working with nature to help the south Wales Valleys thrive — environmentally, socially and economically.
The VRP footprint spans from Carmarthenshire to Blaenavon, bordering the Brecon Beacons — and has a network of uplands, woodlands, nature reserves, country parks, rivers, reservoirs, canals, heritage sites and attractions — all interlinked with the towns and villages which are home to around one million people.
With a Network of local attractions, sites, and organisations like the VRP Discovery Gateways, our mission is to improve quality of life, economic prospects, health and wellbeing in the South Wales Valleys. This is achieved by connecting people with the region’s growing green spaces — thereby tackling the nature and climate emergency while promoting active lifestyles.
By connecting people with outdoor initiatives, activities and community projects we are able to create recreational and skills-based learning opportunities across the Valleys — attracting inward investment and making it an attractive place to work, live and visit.
VRP news
Catch up with the latest news from the team and our partners across our Valleys.
Tributes paid to the environmental Guardians of the South Wales Valleys
On the 29th of March 2023, Valleys Regional Park (VRP) and Groundwork Wales celebrated that its network of community volunteers — the Guardians — have completed nearly 10,000* hours of voluntary work over the last three years. To commemorate this achievement — as well as the 399,497 sq. metres of land improved by the green volunteers* — a special ceremonial event was hosted.
A new network for the Valleys’ Discovery Gateways
VRP is bringing together a network of twelve urban and country parks and nature reserves — also known as ‘Discovery Gateways’ — as part of a project to establish a permanent regional park for the South Wales Valleys. Regional parks can be found both in the UK and internationally, providing recreational and wellbeing opportunities for […]
Valleys Regional Park Guardians Scheme – the story so far…
We’re so proud of how much our Valleys Regional Park Guardians Scheme — delivered by Groundwork Wales — has achieved since May 2021. From environmental training and workshops to land improvement across our Discovery Gateways and working in partnership with the Big Bocs Bwyd programme — the impact on the community and local environment has […]
Parc Slip, Wildlife Trust – G Gavigan
Spending Time In The Valleys
Whether you live and work here or you’re visiting, you’ll experience the warmest welcome when you visit a Discovery Gateway site, join a local group or volunteer.
Support VRP Community Enterprises
Key to the future success of our Valleys is helping community enterprises to thrive. Find out what we’re doing to help them grow.
Welcome to Our Woods – Project Skyline / Mike Erskine
Twelve Discovery Gateways
Our Discovery Gateway sites are just waiting to be explored across
the South Wales Valleys, with each one offering a uniquely enjoyable experience.
Click on the map to find them and start planning your adventure today!
For Families
Looking for some family fun for all ages? Get out of the house and come to our Discovery Gateways and you’ll discover loads of new things, find out about The Valleys roots and enjoy exciting activities.
For Volunteers
Interested in meeting people and doing good at the same time? We need volunteers right across our VRP communities to help preserve and protect our Valleys.
For Nature
The Valleys are home to some of the most breath-taking natural landscapes and iconic wildlife in Wales. A visit to the Discovery Gateways will bring you closer to nature than ever.
For Exercise
The rugged landscape of The Valleys provides opportunities to support our health. From quiet walks through beautiful scenery to joining organised groups and activities, there really is something for everyone!
For Wellbeing
Do you enjoy peace, relaxation or meeting up in the fresh air? Find the perfect spot at the Discovery Gateways or venture out in search of your own special place. There’s magic around every corner!
VRP Accessibility
Our vision is for the Valleys Regional Park to be for everyone! Find out what facilities you can expect where, as well as links to like-minded groups and organisations.
The Valley Regional Park is funded by the European Structural Fund scheme under Priority 5: Public Services Reform and Regional Working with a total of £981,655. The project will work to establish a new strategic regional collaboration. Working across the traditional local government and administrative boundaries, to deliver the collective ambition set out in the prospectus published by Welsh Government through the Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys to create a Valleys Regional Park (VRP).