Woody’s Lodge in support of The Wye Forward

Here at Woody’s Lodge, we’re so thrilled to share with you the amazing The Wye Forward project! John and Sadie started The Wye Forward over five years ago with a short-term goal of building a business that supported veterans of the armed forces and the reserves. They now employ three veterans: two ex-regular Soldiers and a reserve Officer.

The Wye Forward, install and service biomass boilers along with wood burning stoves and oil boilers. They have also signed the armed forces covenant and have been awarded the Bronze and Silver awards! With the help of RFCA Wales, they are working towards the Gold award. At last years’ Royal Welsh Show, they were also awarded two Silver awards for their work in the woodland in support of the community!

Their medium-term goal was to build log cabins and an office/reception in an idyllic location in the Wye Valley. They are currently in the second year of a 10-year plan when it comes to the Woodland Project. Currently, they are developing around 50 acres of woodland to make it accessible to all by putting in a series of tracks and walkways. With a lot of support from Sadie’s family, the plan is starting to take shape with two of four log cabins up and the office/reception completed. Log cabin 1, ‘Coed y Marchog Woodland Retreat’ opened in May 2018 and it is hoped to open the second log cabin in May 2019.

Their long-term goal is to run at least one of the cabins in support of a Military charity to allow sick and injured personnel to spend time with their families in a safe environment. They are working towards facilitating respite breaks combined with outdoor initiatives. With both the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and river Wye on their door step, outdoor activity opportunities are in abundance! With a Military family and manned office on site this safe environment is ideal for military personnel to relax in a peaceful location. Once the log cabins are up and running, they are hoping to provide a wide range of activities including hill walking, climbing, mountain biking and canoeing.

It’s definitely a family affair at The Wye Forward! It is a shared vision across the family, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of Sadie’s parents and sister. Since starting The Wye Forward project, they have had two new additions to the team who will grow with the project, Samson and Evangeline, their 30-month old twins!

There are many synergies between Woody’s Lodge and The Wye Forward. After several meetings with John & Sadie of The Wye Forward and Sian, David & the trustees at Woody’s Lodge, it is hoped that our shared vision, combined with an ideal location, will enable The Wye Forward to accelerate their project and Paul Woodland’s dreams of living in a log cabin. Allowing both Military and Emergency Service personnel to get some well-deserved respite care in their tranquil location.