Branching out: Swansea Building Society expands tree-planting initiative at Penllergare Valley Woods
14 March 2025
Swansea Building Society has expanded its commitment to environmental sustainability by planting over 800 native trees and shrubs at Penllergare Valley Woods estate over two days – Monday, March 10, and Thursday, March 13, 2025.
A team of 28 Swansea Building Society staff members took part in the initiative over the two days, which also included the clearance of invasive non-native plant species such as rhododendron and laurel. This effort follows the Society’s contribution during its centenary year in 2023, when it planted 100 trees, including sessile oak, rowan, and hazel, to support wildlife and increase biodiversity in the valley.
The Penllergare Trust, a registered charity formed in 2000 by local volunteers, is dedicated to maintaining, restoring, and conserving the historically and ecologically significant Penllergare Valley Woods. Spanning 275 acres, the site serves as a crucial green corridor linking the ecologically rich Gower Peninsula to the rest of Wales, while also providing a valuable natural space for the community.
The estate is maintained by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers alongside a small staff team. Their efforts were nationally recognised in 2016 when they received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Trust is further supported by the Friends of Penllergare organisation, which raises funds through memberships and fundraising activities.
Welcoming over 120,000 visitors each year, Penllergare Valley Woods is an essential recreational and conservation area that has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Green Flag Award.
Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society's principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.
Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:
"We are proud to build upon our previous efforts to enhance biodiversity at Penllergare Valley Woods. Planting 800 native trees and tackling invasive species will help preserve this historic and ecologically vital landscape. As a mutual organisation, we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities and their natural environments. We hope our contribution will make a lasting difference for both wildlife and visitors alike."
Lee Turner, General Manager of the Penllergare Trust, added:
"The support from Swansea Building Society is invaluable in our mission to protect and restore Penllergare Valley Woods. Their ongoing commitment helps us create a healthier ecosystem by introducing native trees and tackling the challenges posed by invasive species. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to conservation and the local community."
