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Parc Cwm Darran needs more volunteers as covid has had a lasting impact on attendance rates. 

There is a wide range of opportunities which can be both long-term and short in the 900 acres of country park which runs from Fochriw to Bargoed. 

Parc Cwm Darran is the site of the former Ogilvie colliery and includes the land of other collieries, such as Darran, Groesfaen and Wingfield. 

Senior park ranger, Peter Lewis who supports and manages all sites in the north of Caerphilly, says that it has been a slow process getting volunteers back or encouraging new volunteers with the pandemic having affected the uptake. 

There are additional obstacles in the north of the borough, according to Peter.

“[It’s] hard to get support in [the] north of [the] borough,” he said, “it’s challenging, [there are] higher unemployment rates.”

The volunteering opportunities are the same in the north and the south, with work camps taking place once a month and other opportunities available on a weekly basis. 

“They learn as they come along,” said Peter about the volunteers.

Being outside and in nature teaches volunteers ‘valuable’ skills, as they can learn to use tools or learn about different habitats. 

It benefits the green spaces in Caerphilly but also the volunteers themselves. “You’re in the outdoors, he said. “[There are] a lot of benefits for mental health, for physical health,” said Peter. 

Those interested in volunteering in the country park can call into the park and speak to a ranger or call 01443 834317 or email countryside@caerphilly.gov.uk

Full details of the green spaces in Caerphilly county borough can be found here.