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.
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.
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.
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 […]
New Education and Wellbeing Centre — now open at Bryngarw Country Park
On Thursday 02 December, a brand-new education and wellbeing centre was officially unveiled by Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden MS at Bryngarw Country Park.
Guardians Contract Awarded to Groundwork Wales
Valleys Regional Park are pleased to have contracted Groundwork Wales to continue delivering the VRP Guardians Scheme.
Valleys Regional Park and Mental Health Support for our Communities
Valleys Regional Park publishes their Newsletter for May.
Rebuilding Local for our Valleys
As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Welsh high streets have been in the news a lot this past year with concerns over the future of our town centres.
Funding awarded to Valleys Regional Park Guardians programme
Valleys Regional Park (VRP) has been awarded more than £850,000 for its Guardian Scheme.
What is special about being a creative in the area where you live?
Creative Cardiff is working in partnership with Arts Council of Wales to commission a creative practitioner from each of the local authority areas that make up the Cardiff Capital Region
Message from the Valleys Regional Park team
On 8th January the First Minister announced an extension of COVID alert level 4 for a further 3 weeks.
Outdoor attractions to close over the holidays
Welsh Government have recently reviewed their guidelines on “outdoor attractions” which are expected to close over the holidays.
Valleys Regional Park Releases Full Report on Green Spaces Survey
From July to September 2020, the Valleys Regional Park undertook a green spaces survey to establish the importance of our natural outdoor ‘green spaces’.
Guardians inspire communities to get involved
Hands-on activities based around access to wildlife and our amazing valleys landscape, give people the chance to learn new skills and get involved in their local community.
Additional funding secured for the Valleys Regional Park
The Valleys Regional Park (VRP) has just been awarded almost £1m addition funding to support the continued development of a regional focus on managing and promoting our superb landscape.
Cabinet to discuss extension to Valleys Regional Park host role
Bridgend County Borough Council’s cabinet is set to discuss the extension of its role as host of the Valleys Regional Park until June 2023
Welsh place names tell a story
Some of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf’s best-loved places and landscapes are to feature in a ‘story map’ produced in an effort to preserve original Welsh place names
Still time for tea at Discovery Gateways
We’ve seen food and drink businesses adapt many times this year and the firebreak period is no exception
Firebreak suspends Guardians programme
In order to comply with the Welsh Government’s firebreak restrictions announced this week, we will be pausing the Valleys Regional Park Guardians programme delivered by Groundwork Wales from Friday 23rd October until Monday 9th November.
Five Discovery Gateways named among country’s best green spaces
Five Valleys Regional Park Discovery Gateways have achieved Green Flag Award status – the international mark of a quality park or green space.
Over 80% want more green space near home
The vital importance of our natural outdoor ‘green spaces’ has been vividly highlighted in the findings of a new survey carried out by the Valleys Regional Park.
Valleys Regional Park Guardians Programme Update
Having reviewed the latest Covid-19 restrictions, the VRP Guardians programme will continue across the region, with agreement from site managers
Valleys Regional Park set to boost local communities and businesses
A new website and a social media campaign have been launched to promote the Valleys as a Regional Park. Following widespread community engagement led by the Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys
The valleys are calling in covid-19
The lockdown imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable upset for people both in their personal and daily lives, with the restrictions highlighting the importance of access both to green spaces, to family and the broader community