I am a local resident who, like many in our community, use the very safe, easily accessible natural rock pool in Cwmcarn forest for mental and physical wellbeing. The regular users are very respectful of the environment, always clearing  up after themselves to leave no trace, yet this beautiful natural  resource has been spitefully altered significantly, to prevent access,  causing deep distress among the community of people who regularly visited the pool.

The rock pool was until today, an easily accessible, safe,  natural pool,  helping countless local people like myself relieve physical pain and overcome depression and other mental health issues with evidence-based cold water therapy.

The reconstruction performed by Cwmcarn Forest has deliberately sabotaged this frequently used natural resource, showing total disregard for the requirements and wishes of local people and the impact this will have on their well-being.

Access to clean water resources in the area is very limited. The benefits gleaned from frequent visits to the pool at Cwmcarn include reduction in chronic pain, reduced inflammation, reduced swelling and oedema, increased metabolism - assisting weight loss, improved sleep quality, regulation of the autonomic nervous system, strengthened immune system,  alleviating anxiety and depression, increased endorphin levels, balancing hormone levels, enhanced circulation, promoting healing and muscle soreness from exercise & injury, alongside numerous others. Evidence supporting these benefits is plentiful within the scientific literature.

As residents who are deeply saddened and negatively affected by this action, we must do what we can to preserve and protect vital, rare resources like this in our community. Let's make our voices heard and tell Cwmcarn Forest and Caerphilly Council to restore the rock pool to its prior condition to be enjoyed by all those who were greatly benefitting from it.

Please support this cause and sign the petition and share with your friends.