**New BMX Track Set to Revitalise Former Landslide Site in the Rhondda**
A brand-new BMX pump track is poised to open in the heart of the Rhondda, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of land affected by the devastating 2020 Tylorstown landslide. The eagerly-awaited community facility has been constructed on a section of the so-called ‘receptor site’ in Ferndale, where debris from the landslip was deposited following the natural disaster over four years ago.
The Tylorstown landslide was brought about by record rainfall during Storm Dennis, causing tonnes of spoil to cascade down the Llanwonno hillside. This dramatic event choked the valley below, disrupted vital utilities including sewage and water mains, and buried a popular pathway used by local residents. The aftermath prompted urgent intervention from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, which launched a comprehensive four-phase remediation plan to deal with both immediate dangers and long-term restoration.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency clearance took precedence, swiftly followed by engineering works to safeguard the stability of the hillside. Over subsequent months, extensive repairs and earth-moving efforts were executed to recover the valley floor and redistribute displaced material to allocated receptor sites. Phase three of the scheme saw the reestablishment of public footpaths and further landslip protection, with additional measures to stabilise the landscape.
Now, with phases one to three complete, the council has shifted focus to the final chapter of remediation. This includes remediating what remains of the tip on the hillside, as well as completing essential drainage infrastructure. These drainage systems are crucial for controlling water flow across the site, thus minimising the risk of future instability during periods of heavy rainfall.
A particular highlight of the renewal efforts is the near completion of the BMX track, designed to offer a new recreational hub for the local community. The facility has been constructed on approximately a quarter of the receptor site area, providing a safe and modern outlet for young people and cycling enthusiasts. Reports from the council suggest that an official opening is imminent, sparking anticipation among local residents and BMX riders alike.
Beyond the track, wider ecological restoration is underway. Tree planting initiatives are bringing life to previously barren receptor areas, in line with a broader strategy to cultivate native habitats and guard against threats such as wildfires. A technical monitoring system will further underpin these efforts, ensuring ongoing stability and environmental safety of the hillside and receptor zones.
Funding for the multi-faceted restoration has come from both local and national government sources. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council secured £11.49 million from the Welsh Government’s coal tip safety grant for the coming year, with a substantial £118 million from the UK Government pledged over the next three years for coal tip safety across Wales. These resources support regular monitoring, emergency weather repairs, routine maintenance, and detailed site inspections, all aimed at prioritising public safety.
The impending opening of the BMX track reflects not only a triumph in environmental recovery, but also a determination to provide positive infrastructure in the aftermath of crisis. For many in the Rhondda, the transformation stands as a testament to community resilience and collaborative effort between residents, engineers, and local officials.
As Ferndale prepares to welcome the new facility, the hope is that the transformed landscape will serve as both a reminder of past challenges and a source of future opportunity. Those eager to stay informed on developments in the Rhondda are encouraged to sign up for local newsletters – and, soon enough, dust off their BMX bikes in anticipation of a new era for outdoor sport in the Valleys.