Visiting the u3a 40th Anniversary Woodland

Matlock u3a Chair, Liz, recently visited the u3a 40th Anniversary woodland by public footbath and shares her journey.

At the heart of lockdown, and with meeting up in person not possible, Matlock u3a found it hard to keep some momentum. The u3a trees project really caught our imagination. It seemed like something positive we could all do to ensure that the future would be brighter and more sustainable.

In May this year I decided to visit the Brecon Beacons and our trees. Clive from the u3a helped me exactly locate the fields allocated.

The car park was the starting point on a glorious day. It is also the start of a walk up the Sugar Loaf which we were hoping to achieve.

The walk leads up through an area which appears to have been previously planted with young trees of mixed oak, birch, holly and hawthorne.

When we finally reached the area designated as ‘it’, the only clue was a field full of canes. We were there.

The area is walled off all round to stop the sheep eating the trees, but has a public footpath which runs around two sides of it

Our trees are VERY tiny. I gave them a good talking to and told them to get on a grow. They seemed to understand. The plaques to identify each copse are not up yet so all the trees got a talking to …if you have contributed to the trees project you don’t need to worry now!! I’ve told them all what to do.

From higher up you can get a clearer idea of the glorious position the trees have got.

And so up to the summit to enjoy the magnificent panorama.

Support the u3a woodland on the u3a brand centre.

Members can visit the u3a woodland in the Brecon Beacons by footpath. Please be aware that the woodland is in a remote location without access for restricted mobility and without facilities. At present the saplings are between 30cm-60 cm tall. To find out more, get in touch by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.