£46,673 awarded to restore rivers and reconnect communities in the Afan Valley
We’re delighted to award £46,673.48 to West Wales Rivers Trust for their Valleys River Restorers project.
For generations, rivers have been at the heart of communities in the Upper Afan Valley, supporting local community, farming, wildlife and wellbeing. But over time connections have lessened while the rivers themselves face increasing pressure.
This project is all about bringing people back to their rivers and supporting communities to take action where it matters most in ways that matter to them.
What will happen?
- Community events, workshops and river walks for all ages
- Hands-on activities like pollution awareness, wildlife monitoring and invasive species removal
- A programme of river restoration, including habitat improvements, native planting, and creating spaces for wildlife like otters and amphibians
- Improved access so more people can enjoy local rivers and green spaces
- River habitats will be restored and biodiversity boosted
- Local people will gain the knowledge and skills to protect their environment long-term
By combining practical action with education and volunteering, the project will leave a lasting legacy—supporting healthier rivers and stronger, more connected communities.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to reconnect local communities with their rivers and in the process, make a lasting difference to the biodiversity of the beautiful Afan Valley.” Tiff Dew, Community River Officer, West Wales Rivers Trust
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this work will bring across the Afan Valley and beyond.
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.