PEN Y CYMOEDD

THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS

Catch Up On Our Latest News

£46,673 awarded to restore rivers and reconnect communities in the Afan Valley

£46,673 awarded to restore rivers and reconnect communities in the Afan Valley

Summer 2026

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.

Thank you to Jamie Smith

Thank you to Jamie Smith

Summer 2026

Jamie has been a fantastic Board Member and has given so much support, insight and encouragement during his time with us. We are very grateful for everything Jamie has contributed and for the time and commitment he has given to the Board.

£16,500 awarded to Bee1 Community for Pollinator Patch Challenge

£16,500 awarded to Bee1 Community for Pollinator Patch Challenge

Spring 2026

We are delighted to announce that Bee1 Community has been awarded £16,500 to deliver its inspiring Pollinator Patch Challenge across the Pen y Cymoedd area. The project will empower schools, residents, and local businesses to design and create pollinator-friendly green spaces – from small garden patches to larger community habitats – helping to reverse biodiversity loss while improving access to nature and supporting community wellbeing.

Exciting News for the Upper Afan Valley!

Exciting News for the Upper Afan Valley!

Spring 2026

We’re thrilled to share that the Upper Afan Valley has been awarded a £55,945 grant from Pen y Cymoedd to fund a part-time Senior Community Development Officer for the next two years. This role, hosted by Neath Port Talbot CVS, will be based in the Upper Afan Valley and is a significant step forward for local communities.

New Board Member Appointed

New Board Member Appointed

Spring 2026

We are pleased to welcome Andrea as a new Member of the Board. This appointment supports our commitment to refreshing the Board over the life of the Fund, bringing in new skills, experience, and perspectives.

OUR SPACE | EIN LLE NI – COMPLETION & REFLECTION

OUR SPACE | EIN LLE NI – COMPLETION & REFLECTION

Spring 2026

Over the past three years, Our Space / Ein Lle Ni has grown into a remarkable body of work — not as a single project, but as 10 individual creative journeys, each shaped by the people, places and voices of the Pen-y-Cymoedd communities.

Pen y Cymoedd Fund Announces New Monitoring & Evaluation Partner

Pen y Cymoedd Fund Announces New Monitoring & Evaluation Partner

Spring 2026

We are excited to announce that, following many years of collaboration with Wavehill, Pen y Cymoedd Fund is entering a new Monitoring & Evaluation contract with People & Work. We want to thank Wavehill for their support, challenge, and insight since 2018 — your work has helped shape how we understand and evidence the difference the Fund makes.

Micro Fund Round 19 Awards Announced

Micro Fund Round 19 Awards Announced

Spring 2026

The Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund is pleased to announce the latest organisations and businesses supported through Micro Fund Round 19, with a total of £151,457.35 awarded to 32 projects across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys.

£21,000 awarded for new playground at Pontneddfechan Village Hall

£21,000 awarded for new playground at Pontneddfechan Village Hall

Spring 2026

We’re excited to announce that £21,000 has been awarded to Pontneddfechan Village Hall to install a new community playground. The previous play area, in place for many years, was removed in 2022 due to safety concerns. Since then, the local community has made it clear that replacing it is a top priority.

Micro Fund Round 18 Now Open for Applications

Micro Fund Round 18 Now Open for Applications

Winter 2025

We’re excited to announce that Micro Fund Round 18 opens on 3rd June! Grants of up to £6,500 are available for local businesses and community groups with ideas that can make a real and lasting difference in our communities.

Two years in the Open and Trusting Funder Network

Afan Lodge: Sale Now Complete

Autumn 2025

Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund is pleased to confirm that the sale of Afan Lodge has now been completed.

Afan Lodge ceased trading in November 2024 following a formal consultation with staff. Since purchasing the Lodge in 2019, Pen y Cymoedd had supported its operation through an exceptionally challenging period — including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Big Improvements to Bryn Golwg Play Area, Clyne!

Big Improvements to Bryn Golwg Play Area, Clyne!

Autumn 2025

Pen y Cymoedd is pleased to be supporting Clyne and Melincourt Community Council with £25,895 towards an upgrade of Bryn Golwg Play Area, building on previous improvements funded through our Micro Fund in 2019.

The aim of the project is to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging outdoor space for children, young people, and families of all ages and abilities within the community.