​'When I  lost my hearing, the woods opposite my cottage became my safe place, so it felt only natural to bring Cân y Coed Symphony  back from the Rainforests of Wales, home to Carmarthenshire, in such a way as to ​increase awareness of how important our wooded areas are to our well being.' 
In a heart mission to engage the community with a sense of well-being, Cheryl has embarked on a project to embed her rainforest symphony into local woodlands across Carmarthenshire. Forming a partnership with FUSION Carmarthenshire, the aim was to to identify Carmarthenshire’s TOP TEN wooded areas by asking people to vote for their favourite places.  At the outset, Cheryl contacted local groups through the Fusion Network: Young People Speak Up, the Dementia Cafe at People Speak Up and volunteers at Age Cymru Dyfed all told us their favourites.   ​
​Cheryl then ran a survey via Facebook, posting on Carmarthenshire's online noticeboards. ​Collating the results, 17 woodlands were identified in total: results below show the TOP TEN sites that received the most nominations. Cheryl has recently visited all 10 woodlands to plant biodegradable QR Codes that will transport you to The Rainforests of Wales through her tree-led Symphony. She has also designed a simple map for you to locate and explore the woodland areas. What better reason to get outdoors and connect with nature during the autumn months.

CARMARTHENSHIRE : TOP TEN WOODLANDS

First place is Tregib Woods. Cared for by Coed Cadw, this little gem is so tucked away you might miss it, on the left as you walk the seemingly dead end lane.
Sharing 2nd place is Stradey Woods. Although private, if you pass the entrance, take the next left & on your right there is a public footpath through woodland.
Sharing the number one spot is Dinefwr Country Park owned by the National Trust with its breath taking trees & sweeping views.
 Also in 2nd place is Pembrey Country Park, best known for its beautiful beach, Pembrey is also home also to towering woodlands. Check for entrance fees.
Also in 2nd place is Sandy Water Park - again best known for its location near to the coastal path & the lakes, but there is a less known small woodland.
In 3rd place, Brechfa Forest, nominated entrance being Abergorlech, a beautiful welcome of sculpture & nature to entice you in.
Sharing 4th & joining Talley is Green Castle woods, very close to the busy road but once you walk up the hill, the traffic noise fades into the natural world.
Also in 2nd place Troserch, a mature woods, with tree canopies & walk ways, tucked away from the traffic, lovely for birdsong.
Sharing 4th place is Talley Woods, part owned by the community, as soon as you enter the village there is a sense of nurture & well being.
Last, but by no means least, in joint 4th place, Swiss Valley reservoir, absolutely stunning view across the water & a well cared for walk with benches.