Volunteering day with National Trust

Today, I spent the day volunteering with the National Trust, working on the footpaths around Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. It was a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding experience. Our main task was maintaining and repairing the heavily used trails that lead to the summit. With the area being so popular with walkers, erosion is a constant issue, so our work was vital in protecting the paths and the surrounding landscape from further damage.

We started the day with a safety briefing and a quick overview of the conservation goals for the area. Then we got to work—digging drainage channels, laying stones to reinforce worn sections of the trail, and removing loose debris that could cause hazards or further erosion.

It was tough going at times, especially on the steeper sections and battling with the wind and rain, but working alongside a passionate and supportive team made the effort worthwhile. Seeing the immediate improvement in the path and knowing that it would help preserve the mountain for future visitors gave me a real sense of achievement.

We learned about the unique ecology of the Brecon Beacons and the importance of balancing public access with environmental preservation. The National Trust staff were incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we understood how our efforts contributed to the bigger picture of conservation.

By the end of the day, I was muddy, tired, and aching in places I didn’t know could ache—but also inspired. Volunteering at Pen y Fan reminded me how important it is to care for our natural landscapes and how much effort goes on behind the scenes to keep them accessible and beautiful.

It was a privilege to give back to such a stunning part of the country, and I left with a renewed appreciation for both the environment and the people dedicated to protecting it.