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South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Twmbarlwm Trek: Concerns over plans for open cast coal mine
Participants in the Twmbarlwm Trek expressed shock after learning about proposals by Energy Recovery Investments (ERI) to extract 500,000 tons of coal from Bedwas Colliery, processing it within Sirhowy Country Park. The plans, presented by Caerphilly County Borough Council, include using narrow park roads for transporting thousands of lorry loads of coal annually. These routes pass through significant community areas, including an ancient woodland, a community farm, and the Welsh Government's COVID Memorial Woodland. ERI also intends to deposit 7.5 million tons of contaminated spoil on a nearby nature reserve, Mynydd y Grud, an area known for its rare plant and animal species. Sirhowy Country Park is a key part of the community, used for recreation, relaxation, and learning about wildlife. It holds sentimental value for many, being a place where local volunteers planted trees in memory of those lost during the pandemic. The proposed industrialisation of this area has raised concerns about the potential impact on the environment and the well-being of local residents. The walkers' reactions have sparked important discussions within the council, highlighting a growing opposition to the development. The Twmbarlwm Trek, part of the Caerphilly Challenge Series, took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and saw people of all ages and abilities coming together to support the cause. Cllr Janine Reed and Cllr Jan Jones have pledged to continue standing by the community in opposing any development that threatens the green spaces and the wildlife they sustain. They praised the walkers for their passion and solidarity in sending a clear message about the importance of protecting Sirhowy Valley Country Park. The councillors expressed their gratitude to the walkers, saying: "Your voices have already prompted critical conversations within the council, and we pledge to continue standing alongside you in opposing any development that threatens our green spaces and the wildlife they sustain." They added: "Together, we will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy Sirhowy's hills and woodlands, just as we have." The plans are currently under consideration by the Caerphilly County Borough Council.
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Councillors thank participants on weekend Twmbarlwm trek
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on the Twmbarlwm Trek on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as part of the Caerphilly Challenge Series. It was inspiring to see walkers of all ages and abilities come together to celebrate our beautiful countryside, and we are especially grateful that so many of you took the time to voice your concerns about the proposed open-cast coal development in Sirhowy Country Park. Many of those who attended the event were shocked and dumfounded to learn that Energy Recovery Investments (ERI)—invited by Caerphilly County Borough Council—has put forward plans to extract half a million tons of coal from Bedwas Colliery and process it in our cherished Country Park. It should be noted that ERIs coal processing plant is proposed to situated above a known and documented shallow-depth coal seam – conveniently? Under these proposals, tens of thousands of lorry loads of coal per year would be hauled along narrow park roads, past an ancient woodland, through a community farm and, astonishingly, within inches of the Welsh Government's covid Memorial Woodland. Even more unsettling is ERI's intention to deposit some 7.5 million tons of contaminated spoil on an adjacent nature reserve – at Mynydd Y Grud - a haven for rare flora and fauna. Sirhowy Country Park is more than just green space: it is the beating heart of our community, a place of tranquillity, recreation and natural heritage. It is where families picnic, children learn about wildlife, and local volunteers have planted trees to commemorate those we lost during the pandemic. We firmly believe that industrialising this setting with open-cast mining would devastate both the environment and the wellbeing of local residents and visitors to the park. We are incredibly proud of the walk's participants, whose passion and solidarity have sent a clear message: Sirhowy Valley Country Park must be protected. Your voices have already prompted critical conversations within the council, and we pledge to continue standing alongside you in opposing any development that threatens our green spaces and the wildlife they sustain. Thank you once again for your energy, your commitment and your community spirit. Together, we will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy Sirhowy's hills and woodlands, just as we have. Cllrs Janine Reed and Jan Jones
