Bryngarw Country Park - Awen Cultural Trust

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.

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VRP news

Catch up with the latest news from the team and our partners across our Valleys.

Green social prescribing: what it is, why we should care and how it’s impacting the people of the Valleys

Green social prescribing is a mental health and wellbeing initiative which helps individuals connect to non-medical services and activities in the great outdoors — and last year, more people in the South Wales Valleys than ever took part.

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A new chapter in the story of the South Wales Valleys

Since the Valleys Regional Park partnership was established in 2020, the collective efforts of individuals and organisations across the South Wales Valleys has brought a wave of positive change — socially, economically, and environmentally. 

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Valleys Regional Park – Partnership event

On 6th of July, we hosted an event at Redhouse Cymru in Merthyr Tydfil — to celebrate the achievements of the VRP partnership; recognise the roles our partners play in delivering our ambitions for the Valleys; and look ahead to a greener, healthier future in the South Wales Valleys.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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).

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