Forests in the Rural Community Oral History Project
Who we are and where we come from are the keys to the future as well as the past.
The Forests in the Rural Community Project was established in 2002 to record The Story of the Forest.
During the mid 20th century great changes occurred in the rural landscape of Wales. Economic and social change led to the closure of many quarries and mines, upland farming was less viable and wartime installations were abandoned. The face of much of rural Wales, particularly in the uplands, changed with planting of the "new" forests.
By involving local communities in capturing these memories Forestry Commission Wales encouraged their participation in shaping the future use of the forests.
The aims of the project were to:
- Record the memories of those who experienced the changing landscape and to link these memories to sites that survive in the forest
- Create an archive of The Story of the Forest located locally and at the National Library of Wales
- Encourage understanding and enjoyment of the forests
- Stimulate local participation in the development and use of the forest
The project was run by local community co-ordinators in Newborough Forest (Anglesey), Dyfi Forest (centred around Corris and the Dyfi valley), Coed y Brenin (centred around Trawsfynydd), Tywi (centred around Pontrhydfendigaid/Tregaron) and Pembrey Forest.
The archives
Each archive includes oral recordings, old photographs, written accounts and other materials relating to the early days of the forest.
Each archive is available for public use.
Further information:
Screen and Sound Archive, National Library of Wales: 01970 6325535
FC Wales has copies of the photos collected - contact Richard Siddons 0845 6040845
Click here to view Stories From The Forest newsletter 1.
Click here to view Stories From The Forest newsletter 2.
Click here to view Stories From The Forest newsletter 3.
