07/01/2026
Breaking News
We are delighted to announce that the Monmouthshire Scouts Trustees have agreed to appoint a professional land agent to support the long-term management of the Coed Ynys-faen site, home to the Tudor Cule Scout Campsite.
Since Storm Dennis in February 2020, the site has been severely affected by successive storm events. These impacts, combined with the discovery of a significant number of diseased trees, created serious safety concerns and left us with no option but to close the site to visitors.
For nearly six years, our dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent the permanent closure of this much-loved campsite. Their efforts have been driven by a shared determination to welcome Scouts and other youth groups back to a place where they can once again experience the joy and benefits of time spent in nature.
To date, more than 3,000 volunteer hours have been invested in remedial works—an extraordinary achievement, especially considering there are only five regular volunteer attendees.
However, the scale of work required remains substantial. The forest and watercourses are in urgent need of attention, and many of the tasks now exceed the practical capacity of our volunteers. In several areas, the use of specialist expertise and heavy machinery will be essential.
The appointed land agent will begin by developing a comprehensive land management plan, working closely with us to agree the details. Once finalised, the plan will be formally registered and the necessary permits sought from Natural Resources Wales, the government body responsible for overseeing such works in Wales.
This plan will set out a clear land management strategy for the next 20 years. Initial priorities will focus on the most pressing concerns, including access and parking, tree safety, watercourse management, flood defences, and land erosion. With the plan in place, we will be able to define the required remedial works, establish realistic timescales, and pursue grant funding to support approved projects.
This is a monumental step forward and secures a positive future for the site. Thanks to these efforts, generations of Scouts and other youth groups will continue to enjoy this special place for years to come—fulfilling a vision first dreamed by Tudor Cule and now carried forward by the Site Service Team.
