Councillors from Caerphilly County Borough have expressed their deep appreciation for the participants of the Twmbarlwm Trek, which took place on 10 May 2025, part of the ongoing Caerphilly Challenge Series. This event showcased not only the region's stunning landscapes but also the community's firm stance against a controversial proposal for open-cast coal mining in Sirhowy Country Park.
The trek brought together individuals of various ages and backgrounds, united in a common purpose: to raise awareness about the plans put forward by Energy Recovery Investments (ERI) to extract a staggering half a million tonnes of coal from the Bedwas Colliery. Attendees were alarmed to discover the full scope of ERI's intentions, which involve operating a coal processing plant on land adjacent to the park, beneath a well-documented coal seam.
Concerns surrounding the proposal are numerous and profound. The extraction process would necessitate the transportation of thousands of lorry loads of coal annually along narrow routes that wind through ancient woodlands and even encroach on the COVID Memorial Woodland established by the Welsh Government. More jarringly, ERI plans to deposit approximately 7.5 million tonnes of contaminated spoil on the nearby Mynydd Y Grug nature reserve, a crucial habitat for rare flora and fauna that has slowly rehabilitated over decades.
Sirhowy Country Park serves as much more than a mere recreational space; it is a vital component of the local community's identity—a tranquil escape where families gather, children discover nature, and local volunteers commemorate lost loved ones by planting trees. As expressed by local officials, compromising this cherished environment for industrial purposes could lead to irreversible damage to both the ecosystem and the psychological wellbeing of residents.
In recent months, the local outcry has been reflected in the form of a petition that has gained nearly 4,000 signatures, overwhelming evidence of the community's discontent with the proposed mining development. Residents and visitors alike fear the potential health risks, environmental degradation, and negative impacts on property values that could arise should the project move forward.
Speaking in the Senedd, local representatives highlighted the broader implications of the reclamation proposals, emphasising that while the removal of coal tips is essential, it should not come at the cost of community wellbeing. Those opposing the project argue that the reclamation plans, while perhaps well-intentioned in theory, could ultimately harm rather than help the local ecology.
The proposed activities do not merely risk disrupting existing park resources but also run contrary to the Welsh Government's commitment to ensuring coal tips are made safe, particularly in light of the historical tragedies associated with mining. Activists argue that repeating the mistakes of the past would be a dangerous precedent, especially given that the region is home to over 900 disused coal tips, many of which are still considered environmental hazards.
In opposition to ERI's claims that profits from coal sales would fund site restoration, campaigners have characterised this as a form of 'greenwashing'. They suggest that such ventures often lead to projects being abandoned when expectations for profit dwindle, leaving ecological damage without remediation. Many within the Coal Action Network advocate for a future focused on restoration without the need for further extraction, urging for balanced approaches that prioritise the health of the environment and community.
As the community continues to mobilise against these proposals, the collective sentiment remains clear: the safeguarding of Sirhowy Valley Country Park is paramount. The participants in the Twmbarlwm Trek and others engaged in the campaign have sent a resolute message to local authorities. Together, they stand firm in their commitment to protect the green spaces that define their community and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the ecological treasures and tranquillity found within the park.
Cllrs Janine Reed and Jan Jones have reiterated their commitment to support the community in these efforts, stressing the importance of unity in ensuring a future that respects both the environment and the needs of the community.
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Source: Noah Wire Services