New Interpretation Panels arrive at Glantawe Riverside Park

A new interpretation panel revealing some of Ynsysmeudwy's industrial heritage has been erected in the layby off the main A4067 Swansea to Brecon road north of the Pontardawe roundabout, just south of the Glanrhyd Industrial Estate roundabout. The design of the board was created by Arena Pontardawe as part of a their Birth of a Valley project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2009. The board itself has been funded by the Community Economic, Regeneration and Tourism department at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Bird and Tree Identification Day, Sunday 27th March

"Treemendous" fun was had by visitors to Glantawe Riverside Park on Sunday. Staff from RSPB and Arena Pontardawe's Riverside Centre were on hand for a spot of winter tree and bird identification.

Participants were able to plant a tree (part of our new hedged picnic area) and make a leaf key to help identify trees on their travels. They also made a paper pot out of recycled newspaper in which they put peat free compost and sunflower seeds to grow and nurture. When they have fully grown they will provide birds with a tasty treat.

On the RSPB table, children were able to make bird feeders and squeeze soft toy birds with authentic bird calls, then try to work out what birds they were from a poster. There was also a winter twig identification worksheet to work out and fill in.

Tree Planting at Riverside Centre

Local volunteers have been helping Riverside staff plant a hedge. The trees were kindly donated by the Woodland Trust as part of their Community Tree Project.

The hedge is made up of various fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs such as hazel, dog rose, blackthorn and crab apple, which will eventually become a food supply for the local wildlife (and food for free enthusiasts).

The hedge will eventually create a dog free picnic area for those families concerned about dog mess etc.

Don't worry though dog owners, we are definitely not anti - our canine friends and will in time create a picnic area where dogs are allowed so everyone is happy!

WorldHost Training at Riverside Centre

On Friday 18th March WorldHost training took place at the Riverside Centre. Topics covered included; the importance of customer service skills, effective communication, listening skills, value of tourism to Wales and our community plus principles of "going the extra mile"

Representatives from Arena Pontardawe, Swansea Canal Society and the local tourism industry all benefitted from the training which completed part 2 of their Tourism Ambassador training.

Anybody interested in finding out more about becoming a Tourism Ambassador should contact Community Tourism Officer Elen Davies on 07717 820472 or email at elen.davies@capitalregiontourism.org

Puppet Making Weekend 12th & 13th March

A fantastic weekend of puppet making was had with Helyn Latimer from Puppet Theatre Wales. Over the weekend sessions in puppet making were run for groups from our local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. The Riverside Centre was a scene of creative and storytelling activity with lots of music and many magical and mythical tales told.


The Riverside Centre is an ideal venue to hire for such events with the large hall easily holding over 30 people in a workshop setting.

We are hoping to see the girls again for future creative sessions at the Centre.

Bird Box Making 20th February

The Riverside Centre, working with Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre held a bird box making event on Sunday, 20th of February.

Everyone there, staff and visitors all said it was some of the best fun they'd had in ages! Several quality bird homes were made which should impress our feathered friends and last for years.