Caru Coed y Brenin has been invited to submit a final proposal to manage and develop Coed y Brenin, with the aim of ensuring that the world-renowned site is run by the community, for the benefit of the community.

It has been some time since Caru Coed y Brenin issued a public update about the future of Coed y Brenin. However, a significant amount of work has been taking place behind the scenes.

Following detailed discussions, the group decided to proceed with an application to operate Coed y Brenin as a social enterprise. Caru Coed y Brenin was originally established to oppose the proposed closure of the centre. The decision to enter the application process was therefore a significant one, given both the work required to develop a comprehensive proposal and the considerable responsibility involved in running an internationally recognised destination.

The group believed it was essential to take this opportunity to safeguard the long-term future of the centre and its trails. Caru Coed y Brenin wants to ensure that the site is managed by an organisation with the necessary expertise, commitment and long-term vision, while retaining as much of its economic and social value as possible within Meirionnydd and Wales.

In March 2026, Caru Coed y Brenin submitted a comprehensive proposal in response to a Request for Proposal issued by Natural Resources Wales. It set out the strategic and operational case for community management, supported by a detailed financial model, a proposed structure for the community enterprise and initial plans for the future development of the site.

During the following months, Natural Resources Wales requested further information about specific aspects of the proposal. Caru Coed y Brenin supplied this additional information within the required timescale.

On 2 September, Caru Coed y Brenin was invited to present its proposals to a panel comprising nine Natural Resources Wales staff members and a representative of the local community. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the group to explain its vision, discuss its plans in detail and respond to questions from the panel. Natural Resources Wales also provided further information about the next stages of the process.

Caru Coed y Brenin has now been invited to submit a final proposal by the end of October 2026. This stage requires an expanded business plan, together with more detailed operational and financial planning.

To strengthen the proposal, the group has expanded its team by welcoming three new members who bring a broad range of relevant skills and experience.

The team is also holding discussions with key organisations, including Gwynedd Council, Eryri National Park Authority, Visit Wales and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board. These discussions are intended to support the development of a coordinated and sustainable proposal that will ensure Coed y Brenin remains an important asset for the local community, the regional economy and visitors from Wales and beyond.

Rhys Llywelyn, Chair of Caru Coed y Brenin, said:

“Committing to this process was not an easy decision. We fully recognise the scale of the responsibility involved in operating a centre of Coed y Brenin’s standing, but we also believe this is a unique opportunity to create a secure and sustainable future for the site.

“Our vision is for Coed y Brenin to be run by the community, for the benefit of the community. We want to safeguard the trails, improve the visitor experience and ensure that the economic benefits are felt throughout Meirionnydd and the wider Welsh economy.

“We are extremely grateful for the support the campaign has received so far. There is a great deal of work to complete before the end of October, but we are determined to submit the strongest possible proposal.”

The outcome of the process is expected to be announced around the middle of December. If the application is successful, the intention will be to launch a community share offer, giving individuals and organisations an opportunity to support the development of Coed y Brenin and play a part in its future.

Caru Coed y Brenin will share further information about its plans and opportunities to support the enterprise as the process progresses.