Over twenty years ago, this beautiful leaf bench took root in Coed y Werin.
More than just somewhere to rest, it became a symbol of the woodland itself. Its carved leaves welcomed generations of visitors, offering a place to pause, reflect, admire the Long Pond, share stories with friends, watch wildlife, or simply enjoy a moment of peace beneath the trees.
Over the years it became part of countless memories. It has featured in family photographs, community events, woodland celebrations and quiet moments of solitude. Thousands of people have sat upon it, each leaving with their own story.
Today, with heavy hearts, we carefully dismantled it, unscrewing each weathered section by hand. After more than two decades of faithfully standing through every season, time and the elements had finally taken their toll, and it could no longer safely serve the woodland it loved.
But this is not necessarily goodbye. 🍃
As we carefully took it apart, we did so with hope. We are exploring whether some of the original pieces can be saved and given a new purpose, perhaps as individual woodland artworks, or brought together in a new creation. Just as a fallen tree finds new life in the forest, we have faith this old bench has another chapter still to tell.
In time we hope to replace it with a new woodland bench standing in its place, to once again welcome visitors for the next twenty years and beyond to carry on the tradition begun by this remarkable piece of craftsmanship.
Thank you, old friend, for every conversation you hosted, every weary walker you supported, every child who climbed across your leaves, and every peaceful moment you gifted to those who stopped to simply look out across the Long Pond.
Some things are too special to disappear. Whatever form your next chapter takes, you will always be part of Coed y Werin’s story.
We hope this is simply the beginning of your next chapter
If this bench holds a special memory for you, you might like to help write its next chapter. Donations towards its replacement — of any size — will go directly towards giving Coed y Werin a new place to rest, reflect, and gather for years to come.
Goodbye old friend
