Ancient Gower skill revives ‘flying hedge’ near popular play area

Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council have teamed up to create a traditional Gower-style “flying hedge” between Mumbles Road and the playground opposite West Cross shops.

This isn’t just any hedge; it’s one of 17 variations found across Wales, showcasing a countryside skill that is slowly disappearing.

Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, who is also a Gower farmer, highlighted the multiple benefits of the project.

“Hedge laying sustains healthy dense hedges, which provide corridors for wildlife to move about, homes for birds to roost and nest and nuts and berries growing in the hedge also feed the wildlife,” Cllr Stevens said.

“Hedges are also great at soaking up air pollution and noise pollution especially when they run along a busy road.”

The project aims to bring back these vital green corridors, offering a natural haven for birds and other creatures, while also acting as a natural barrier against pollution from the busy Mumbles Road.

The initiative is supported by the Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature 2025-27 grant funding, administered by WCVA and managed by Swansea Council.

Underhill Park sports hub and café to reopen after liquidation fallout

Local residents and sports clubs will regain access to Underhill Park’s community facilities next month, after Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council stepped in to manage the site. The move follows the collapse of the Underhill Management Company, which entered voluntary liquidation in July amid financial pressures linked to high business rates.

The reopening includes the sports hub and public café, housed in a modern building with meeting rooms and changing facilities. The hub will be operated on an interim basis by Mumbles Community Council, while discussions continue over a long-term management plan.

The all-weather pitch and changing rooms reopened earlier this month, with pay-and-play sessions resuming on August 18. Bookings for the pitch can be made by emailing [email protected].

Timeline: Underhill Park hub closure and reopening

July 2025
Underhill Management Company enters voluntary liquidation after citing unsustainable business rates and financial pressures.

Late July 2025
Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council confirm temporary partnership to keep facilities available for the community.

11 August 2025
All-weather pitch and changing rooms reopen for club use.

18 August 2025
Pay-and-play sessions resume for the public.

1 September 2025
Sports hub and café scheduled to reopen under interim community council management.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the reopening was “great news for local residents,” and praised the community council’s role in restoring access.

Cllr Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council, added: “A lot of work has taken place behind the scenes and I’m sure it is appreciated by the community.”

Both councils confirmed they had engaged with liquidators shortly after the closure, enabling a swift transition to temporary oversight and continuity of services. The site had previously been home to clubs including Mumbles RFC, Mumbles Rangers, and Newton Athletic, and its £2.1m redevelopment was backed by the Welsh Government, National Lottery, and local authorities.

Further updates on the site’s future operating model are expected in the coming months.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Mumbles’ Underhill Hub to close after just two years amid financial pressures
Charity confirms liquidation due to unsustainable business rates, prompting council intervention.

Underhill Park set to reopen after council rescue
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Underhill Park sports pitches to reopen after council intervention
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Underhill Park set to reopen after Council rescue

The all-weather pitch and changing rooms will reopen on Monday 11 August, with bookings now open via [email protected]. Pay-and-play sessions will resume from 18 August, with times to be announced shortly.

Work is also underway to reopen the Underhill Hub and café, with updates expected via council websites and social media.

Closure Triggered by Liquidation

The reopening follows a swift intervention after the site’s operator, Underhill Management Company, went into voluntary liquidation last month. The company was hit by unexpectedly high business rates — over £93,000 across two years — despite relief schemes.

In response, both councils stepped in to secure the site and form a temporary partnership to manage the facilities through the end of 2025.

Leaders React

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“It’s great news for local residents that progress has been made so quickly. We’ve pulled out all the stops to support the community through a difficult time.”

“This gives us breathing space to develop a permanent operating model.”

Cllr Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council, added:

“Our teams worked flat out behind the scenes to get the site reopened. I’m sure the community will appreciate it.”

What’s Next

Underhill Park is home to Mumbles RFC, Mumbles Rangers, Newton Athletic, and Mumbles Cricket Club, which recently began using the artificial wicket.

The site’s £2.1m redevelopment was backed by the Welsh Government, Swansea Council, National Lottery, and Mumbles Community Council — and its reopening ensures local sport can continue without disruption.

Updates on the potential reopening of the café and hub are expected to follow, as both councils continue working behind the scenes to restore full access to the site.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Underhill Park sports pitches to reopen after council intervention
How Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council stepped in to restore access after liquidation.

Mumbles Underhill Hub to close after just two years amid financial pressures
The financial challenges that led to the closure of the community hub and triggered council action.

#CllrRobStewart #CllrWillThomas #Mumbles #MumblesCommunityCouncil #MumblesCricketClub #MumblesRangersAFC #MumblesRFC #NewtonAthleticFC #SwanseaCouncil #UnderhillManagementCompany #UnderhillPark

Underhill Park sports pitches to reopen after council intervention

Just weeks after the sudden closure of the Underhill Hub, Swansea Council and Mumbles Community Council have announced a joint plan to reopen the sports pitches and changing rooms at Underhill Park.

The move follows the voluntary liquidation of the site’s former operators, which left local clubs and community groups uncertain about access to the much-used facilities.

Under a temporary joint venture, the two councils will manage the pitches and changing rooms from early August until the end of 2025, giving teams a chance to continue training and playing while a longer-term solution is explored.

“We’re delighted to have found a way to reopen the pitches and changing rooms for the local community,” said Council Leader Rob Stewart. “It’s been a worrying time for teams and families, and we’ve acted quickly to ensure the facilities are available again from August.”

The announcement comes after more than a decade of investment and community fundraising to transform Underhill Park into a modern sporting hub. The site now includes an all-weather pitch, refurbished pavilion, and upgraded changing facilities, thanks to support from Swansea Council, Mumbles Community Council, Sport Wales and the National Lottery.

“We’re grateful to Swansea Council for stepping in,” said Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council. “This joint solution means local teams and groups can continue using the facilities while we work toward a permanent operating model.”

The reopening is expected to be welcomed by clubs including Mumbles Rangers FC, Mumbles RFC, and Newton AFC, who have seen rising participation and youth engagement since the upgraded facilities came online.

Further updates on long-term management and community access are expected later this year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Mumbles Underhill Hub to close after just two years amid financial pressures
Published July 2025: Charity confirms closure due to business rates burden, with councils exploring future options.

Mumbles coastal flood defence scheme officially opens
Published May 2024: £27m project completed to protect homes, businesses and promenade from rising sea levels.

Outdoor theatre returns to Swansea this summer
Published June 2024: Quantum Theatre brings family-friendly performances to Oystermouth Castle and city parks.

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Published April 2024: New data shows wide property price gaps across the city, with Mumbles topping the list.

#CllrRobStewart #CllrWillThomas #featured #GoUnderhillProject #Mumbles #MumblesCommunityCouncil #MumblesRangersAFC #MumblesRFC #NewtonAFC #SwanseaCouncil #UnderhillHub #UnderhillPark

Community council asks for views on Mumbles skatepark

Mumbles Skatepark, which officially opened February 2023, cost nearly £350K of which over £270K was provided in the form of a grant by The National Lottery Community Fund ‘People and Places Programme.’

The skatepark has become a popular spot for skateboarders, BMX riders, wheelchair motocross riders, inline skaters and scooter users of all ages and abilities. Now, the council says it wants to hear from the community to understand its impact and explore any future improvements.

Councillor Pam Erasmus of Mumbles Community Council said, “The skatepark is already proving to be a fantastic space for young people and families, but we want to make sure it works for everyone. Your feedback will help us understand what’s working well, and what could be improved.”

A short online survey has been launched to gather feedback from the people who use the park, those who live nearby, and all other residents of Mumbles.

Cai Bosch, Manager at the West French Skate Shop in Mumbles said, “The new skatepark has already brought a real buzz to Mumbles, and it’s been great to see so many skaters, young and old, using the space. As a local business, we’re thrilled to support this excellent community facility, and we’re excited to hear what the people who use the park think. Their feedback is key to ensuring it continues to serve everyone who loves skating.”

The council says that everyone completing the questionnaire will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw with a chance to win £50 (first prize) or £25 (second prizes x 2) in gift vouchers.

The consultation will run right through until the end of May.

#BMX #Mumbles #MumblesCommunityCouncil #scooter #SkatePark #Skateboarding