Ready, Set, Test - Community Science at The Carbon Community

Join us on Saturday 30th August for a day of Community Science.

It is time to Ready, Set, Test as we prepare for our Big Tree Measure 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to climate research and help us practise techniques and test equipment.

Our Carbon Study

Glandwr Forest is a new native broadleaf forest and is home to The Carbon Community’s landmark carbon study which aims to help trees absorb more carbon from the air by accelerating tree growth and improving soil biodiversity. Designed together with leading scientists, this unique field trial studies two nature-based approaches, forest microbiome inoculation and enhanced rock weathering. Launched in May 2021, the study involves 25,600 trees including broadleaf and conifer planted across 11.5 hectares.

Community Science

Citizen science, sometimes called community science, is where people can help scientists in their work by taking measurements.

Activities include measuring

• 🌳 Diameter at base

• 🌲 Diameter at 1.3 metres

• 📏 Height

• 📱 Recording the information

We will work in pairs out in the field. Please note that all activities are physical and on un-even terrain. Activities are suitable for 16+, under 18s must bring a responsible adult.

The Day

• 9:30 - 10:00 Coffee & Tea available at the barn
• 10:00 - 10:30 Training & safety briefing
• 10:30 - 12:30 Measuring trees!
• 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
• 13:30 - 15:30 Measuring trees!
• 15:30 - 16:00 Coffee & Tea at the barn to celebrate

Location

Address is The Carbon Community, Cynghordy, Llandovery SA20 0LW.

• 📍Follow directions to The Carbon Community on Google Maps (not the postcode)
• 📍what3words apply/shelter/wordplay

Once you reach Cynghordy, follow the road under the viaduct. We are the first turning on the left over a small green bridge. You will see signs for The Glandwr Forest and Penlan at the bridge. Note that the driveway to our site is up a steep hill from the bridge. We are trying to keep the carbon footprint of the project as low as possible, please consider this in your travel plans.

If you are travelling by train, Cynghordy is a request stop, we will be happy to accommodate arrival / departure to fit in with the train timetable. If you plan to arrive by train, please let us know at info@carboncommunity.org and we will send walking directions or arrange to collect you from the station.

What to bring

Please visit our website for more information on volunteering with The Carbon Community. Our volunteering takes place outdoors, the grass is long and can remain wet with rain or morning dew. There are nettles in places. Old clothes are recommended.

• We strongly recommend long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt even when the sun is shining. Please no shorts.
• Sturdy waterproof footwear
• Sun protection including a sun hat, wind or rain protection depending on the day.
• In windy or wet weather, please bring a rain jacket and waterproof trousers
• Please bring a gardening gloves or similar. A rucksack is also useful.
• If you normally carry an Epi-pen for severe allergies, please bring it with you.
• Our indoor volunteer area is one room which includes the kitchen and an induction hob. If this is a risk to you please inform one of the supervisors so we can make arrangements.

Food & Drinks

• Please bring a water bottle and plenty of water. We have treated spring water on site.
• The Carbon Community will provide hot drinks, snacks and a lunch suitable for vegetarians, with gluten free options. If you have additional dietary requirements please bring your own lunch and snacks. Note that our barn is a peanut free environment.

Useful Information

• Electric Car Charging: There is a car charging station in Llandovery in the public car park. Please refer to Zap Map for status.
• Co-op supermarket High St, Llandovery SA20 0RA is open from 6:00 – 22:00 Monday through Saturday and 10:00 – 16:00 on Sunday.

Any questions? Get in touch! info@carboncommunity.org

THANK YOU!

ps - when completing the registration form, please register all members of your party.