We are in partnership with Dolgarrog Community Council (chaired by Dolgarrog resident, Jackie Ley) and the Gwneud Traciau Steering Group, and have been tasked to increase biodiversity and links across three sites: (Porthllwyd Memorial Gardens, Coed Dolgarrog National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Pwll Du (within the Eryri SSI). One of my main priorities is to engage with the children and adults in the local area through the provision of a range of regular wildlife-themed creative and learning activities, guided walks, workshops, wildlife events throughout the year, collaboration with the local school and the development of a weekly local conservation group. 

No small task for a project which had a delayed start, and for which last November marked the centenary of the tragic Dolgarrog disaster in which sixteen villagers lost their lives when the dam burst its banks and sent millions of litres of water, boulders and debris crashing down into the village. Having had the chance to walk around Llyn Eigiau and Llyn Coedty and then to see the remaining walls of the old dam, my mind was very much on that sad event.

On 2 November 2025 (the centenary of the disaster), Katy, Jackie and many members of the local community brought together a very moving commemoration, involving local residents in reflection and remembrance through many creative media, including drama, singing, dance, pottery, sculpture and a specially commissioned piece of music. There was a lantern parade in the evening and the Memorial Gardens provided the perfect setting. Thanks to the huge efforts made by volunteers and contractors to improve the paths, start to remove invasive vegetation, improve interpretative signage and provide handrails, the event was hugely successful. Well done to all for an amazing event, which attracted about 2000 people!

Then I arrived a few weeks ago. “No pressure,” I thought! 
I have been so welcomed by Katy, Jackie and Richard of the steering group, Vicky (local resident and volunteer), the Community Council, Knit & Natter, Tea & Natter, passing residents (and their dogs and children) to name but a few. 

I have had the chance to explore and understand how the hydro-electric power is generated, wandered above Coed Dolgarrog  to see the wilder terrain, and have met our partners in Natural Resources Wales (NRW), RWE (who run the hydro-electric power station in the village), and Eryri National Park. I am rapidly making connections with other local projects and trying to embed myself in the area as much as possible.

I am really excited by the opportunities that this project will provide, for making a real difference in improving connectivity, both for wildlife and people; improving wildlife habitats; increasing our understanding of this unique area; and leaving a lasting legacy.

On a personal note, it’s been quite a journey for me too! 
For the last six years I have been the Ranger on St Kilda (the remotest inhabited island in the British Isles, and mixed UNESCO world heritage site) and so I’m having to do quite a bit of adjusting - coming from an environment of no trees to a forest; swapping Gaelic for Welsh, and seabirds for woodland birds; the excitement and unpredictability of random food donations versus shops on the doorstep; and packing for six months versus remembering to make my butties for the day!
Many many stories I could tell, but maybe for another day!  I’m home, and I’m delighted to be here. I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going!

Find out more about the Gwneud Traciau Project here