I am amazed as to how quickly time flies, is it really twelve months, since my last Christmas report, but it is. Welsh Water have been working very hard behind the scenes to improve and secure the site. The shell of the new Visitor Centre is there for all to see and we understand that it is still on course to open spring 2023. A fantastic achievement in itself. Welsh Water has much to congratulate itself for.

Please, please keep your eyes on your emails and our website, thus making sure that you are not missing any volunteering opportunities. As I am compiling this report, a number of our members, in conjunction with instructors from the DWSA (Dry Stone Walling Association) are putting the finishing touches to another length of dry stone wall, which will not only be a pleasant feature on the site, but another much needed habitat/home for wildlife. Our hard working Welsh Water Volunteering Manager, Ms Annie Smith has advised that in the new year there will be more opportunities to get involved with another section of dry stone wall, so please keep your eyes peeled. Annie has also mentioned that in the not too distant future, in conjunction with Friends of Nant Fawr and Cardiff Council, we will be commencing the planting of a boundary hedge around the site, so here again volunteers will be needed. This will not only be a tremendous feature, but hopefully the start of a wildlife corridor running from Caerphilly Mountain right along the whole length of the Nant Fawr. As you will all no doubt will agree, this will provide a home for all manner of wildlife, especially much threatened hedgehogs, sparrows and song thrushes, to name but a few.

During early 2023 and throughout the year, you will be hearing more about our working groups, e.g. Membership, Marketing and Volunteering. These will be meeting separately from the main committee and will be another opportunity, for you, the members, to get involved in the running of the main committee. As you will understand, these groups can only reach their full potential with your input/involvement, so please keep alert for any opportunities.

May I now take this moment to wish you and your family, from me and all members of your committee a lovely Christmas, but also hope that 2023, especially the latter part will be better for all of us.
Best wishes,
Paul