Nestled deep in the woods near Lampeter, West Wales, is an extraordinary outdoor theatre. Hidden amongst the trees are intricate carvings of angels and wood spirits, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The theatre features tiered seats created from the natural slope of the hillside, providing a unique and intimate setting.
Adjacent to the slowly deteriorating stage is a tribute to Dylan Thomas, Wales’s most celebrated poet. His famous poem, “Do not go gentle into that good night,” written during his father’s decline, stands as a poignant homage to the theatre. The stage shows signs of neglect, with parts collapsed and others rotting, indicating a long period since its last performance.
The Longwood Woodland Theatre was established in 2003 as part of a community-driven initiative. The woodland area was purchased and managed as Wales’s first sustainable community woodland. Built as a zero-carbon project, the theatre was constructed entirely from locally sourced timber, with no use of cement or concrete. The project engaged 200 volunteers from local rural communities, aiming to combat social exclusion among young people. An important goal was to replace non-native plantations with native broadleaf species, leading to the planting of 10,000 trees since 2007.
There is scant information on the number of plays or musicals performed at the theatre, but it appears to have fallen into disuse during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when social distancing laws halted outdoor gatherings. Now, nature has begun to reclaim the theatre, with birds like the Goldcrest and the rare Wood Warbler providing the only sounds.
Know Before You Go: To reach the woodland theatre, take the footpath behind Lampeter Rugby Club. The path climbs steeply into the woods. Follow the footpath, steering clear of the fenced farm areas. Nearby, a visitor center operated by the Longwood community offers educational experiences for local schools and visitors, including lessons in bushcraft, safe fire-building, woodland cooking, and local arts and crafts.
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