MICRO FUND GRANT TO BRIARS BRIDLEWAYS – £5,000 – Update
NOVEMBER 12th 2022
Briars Bridleways RCT have been established for over 15 years, promoting access for horse riding throughout RCT and creating events for equestrians to attend and enjoy, within the local area. They are a local Bridleways Access Group, registered with the British Horse Society, who actively promote all aspects of equestrianism. They work closely with RCT Bridleways Officers, Parks and Recreation and Transport departments and liaise closely with contractors who are delivering works for the Welsh Government, and other organisations such as Sustrans / NRW on projects, as part of the Active Travel Act 2013 to ensure horse riders are considered as part of the Act.
In August 2021 Briars Bridleways applied to the fund for funding to purchase a container and necessary equipment which would allow them to put on more local events for equestrians to enjoy and were successful in being awarded £5,000 toward their project.
As a result of the funding from Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund the have been able to host multiple events where local equestrians can come together in a safe environment and the feedback from the participants was extremely positive. They have held 6 clinics, whether flatwork, schooling, jumping and numerous fun rides. The average numbers for clinics are 15/20 people and for fun rides between 15/25. They were also able to hold a local show, where there were over 120 participants and even more spectators.
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.