Frog Pond Wood, one of the oldest woods in Bridgend, was being vandalised and set on fire by local children and young people.

Our aim was to address this problem by making the young people aware of the environmental damage caused by the fires, and to show them how to appreciate the woods without damaging this fragile environment.

How did it all start?

The process started with twice weekly script devising sessions under the guidance of professional storyteller & script writer Dale Davies.

This was followed by the creation of story boards, digital illustrations, sound recordings and animation workshops delivered by UNIT 15 Production Company based in Maesteg.

The project culminated with a day of bush craft held by Dryad Bush craft. This involved camping for one night in Bryngarw Country Park where the young people were taught how to safely make a controlled camp fire.

A campfire is not a campfire without a bit of drumming and storytelling late in to the night. The group got to learn some African beats under the guidance of Aaron Meli from Slapping Skins, before being tucked into bed with a scary camp fire story told by Dale Davies.

The project was funded by a Small Arson Grant from the Welsh Assembly Government and was a result of a partnership between Bridgend County Borough Council Arts & Culture (Andre van Wyk- Arts Development Officer), Out of Schools Hours Coordinator (Emma Davies), Environmental and Planning Services, Bryngarw Country Park (Wardens), KPC Youth, Pyle Life Centre & South Wales Fire & Rescue Service.