The Mighty Oaks
We all benefit from them every day, in our countryside, towns and cities; they impact positively on our lives, our physical and mental wellbeing and environment, in more ways than we know. But how many of us sometimes take our leafy friends for granted? Sadly it isn’t until a single tree or even a woodland or forest comes under threat that we sit up and take notice of what we might lose.
A ‘Major Housing Development’ proposal caused such a threat right in the historical core of Pembrey.
Now thanks to Carmarthenshire County Council, forty two oak trees estimated to be between a hundred and two hundred years old at ‘Court Farm’ have been protected for us and future generations to enjoy. 
The recent planning application for housing development in the neighbouring fields directly below Court Farm prompted swift action by the Conservation and Countryside Department. In February the Council issued a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the ‘Oak Trees at Court Farm’. Under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, a TPO makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, wilfully damage or destroy a tree without the consent of the Council. Its aim is to protect a tree, a group of trees or woodland including hedgerow trees that make a significant impact on their surroundings, if they are a good example of their species or form an impact feature within the local landscape.
The group of protected trees is sited along the tranquil public footpath leading from Court Farm to Garreglwyd. On the south side are 31 oaks, holly, hawthorn, blackthorn and willow and on the northern side are 11 oaks, 3 ash, hazel and hawthorn. The trees and their condition and any damage they may cause remain the responsibility of the landowners and permission is required by the local authority before any tree management can begin.
Any future planning applications on this land will require strict and close consultation with the Conservation department to ensure the trees remain unaffected.
Enjoyed by locals and visiting walkers for generations, the footpath is fondly known as ‘Mucky Lane’, but historical references reveal its great significance to the village.
Originally called ‘Y Ffordd Fawr’ (The Great Way), it is an important and ancient medieval trackway, an old hollow way, possibly the oldest route in the vicinity. It was the original main access to and from Court Farm and the medieval route to Penybedd Farm which also belonged to the Pembrey Court Estate (c. 1729),and Caldicot, Kidwelly. It was these links with Court Farm and the medieval past of Mucky Lane which secured the tree preservation order.
When walking along Mucky Lane you cannot fail to feel it’s ancient past. As you meander down through the hollow way the twisted creaking branches and birdsong evoke a sense of wonder. The overwhelming sense of calm is only interrupted by the hammering of the occasional woodpecker, the perfect tonic for our hectic modern lifestyles. Do take care though as you walk the lower end of the route. Cracked and lifted by the strong roots, the pathway is in need of repair and requires a little careful navigation, particularly on rainy days, where a pair of good boots is essential!
The Tree Council’s 2008 campaign runs from March to September: ‘Trees Matter – Cherish Them, Enjoy Them’. An umbrella body of around 180 organisations, they work together for more trees of the right kind in the right kind of places; for better care of trees, of all ages, and to inspire effective action for trees. Its goal is to make trees matter to everyone.
So this summer be inspired and get out and about, take a walk down ‘Y Ffordd Fawr’. Follow in the footsteps of our ancient past and experience these beautiful mighty oaks along this historic setting. Preserved for us all and preserved for our future generations – Why? Because they Matter!
Download a free map for ‘Court Farm’ and ‘Y Ffordd Fawr’ from Pembrey Coastal Walks route 12 & 13 from:
www.sirgaerfyrddiin.gov.uk (Tourism / Country Walks, Pembrey)
For more information on TPO’s go to:
(Consevation & Countryside),
Court Farm