KEEP WATTSVILLE CASTLE!

Please Donate to KEEP WATTSVILLES CASTLE!

£1362 needs be raised to save WATTSVILLES CASTLE from being demolished by order of Caerphilly County Borough Council. All costs and paperwork must be in before March 20th.

In Brief.... I started building a small shelter over 5 years ago using building materials collected directly of the land. That small shelter has evolved into today what looks like a small medieval Castle. This has been visited by over 10,000 people, creating many beautiful memories for families with visitors travelling from all over the world. Aside from this, the Castle has been used as a well-being base providing a unique and functional way of helping people in times of crisis and to develop healthier perspectives.Previously from funds raised, tools and equipment were bought, to start the project. To date, over 50 accredited qualifications in mental health, Forestry first aid and dry stone walling have been funded free of charge for NHS staff, veterans, bereaved families, charity workers and community project volunteers.Today I am asking for donations to KEEP WATTSVILLES CASTLE.

What will the money be spent on?

£920 To contest and take case to Welsh Ministers.

£432 To change use of land.

The History of Wattsvilles Castle

After coming home from Afghanistan I wasn't the same and found myself down a dark path. After some years of not coping with my mental health I decided to become homeless, go up a mountain and started building a shelter to live and survive. Although I struggled with certain issues I found the experience of being in nature liberating and taught me deep life lessons.I slowly reintegrated into society, found employment and rebuilt friendships whilst going back to my shelter each night.

Then, 1 day I returned from work to find my shelter, home, clothes, what little I had all gone, demolished by local authorities.After hearing about my circumstances a kind farming family offered me a home by way of a caravan on their land, surrounded by horses, a friendly family of donkeys, chickens, geese, cattle and an angry turkey named Stanley as they welcomed me to make use of the land, to rebuild a cabin on private property enabling myself and others to enjoy the benefits of nature again.As the cabin grew more and more people started to visit and share their life experiences whilst enjoying the views of the Sirhowy Valley, down to the Bristol Channel and beyond.

My aim has been to put a dent in the suicide rate the best way I can and with kind donations from supporters I was able to give out qualifications and courses in mental health, agriculture and forestry safety. The Castle has also been used for yoga, meditation, fitness sessions, star gazing, family hikes by many and over time became a well being hotspot with visitors from all over the UK, Europe and further a field such as Fiji, Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, Ukraine and many from the USA.Please help KEEP WATTSVILLES CASTLE by donating, sharing and supporting in any way possible.

We haven't had the news for long so will keep updating via this page and social media as we go through our options.The council have expressed their concern that agricultural land is being used for recreational purposes, although sheep and donkeys regularly use the Castle as a shelter during any snow, storms or extreme sun. Also, the land surrounding the Castle has been used by the farm animals for grazing throughout with little disruption to their ability to feed.I think its more important lives have been altered for the better after visits to the Castle by way of goal setting, release of tension, sharing experiences with people that understand, care and do what they can to help, listen or support and I would like to not only continue this work but evolve further.If the order is not contested by March 20th the Castle will be completely removed without even a flag pole or bench being allowed to stay.

Please help KEEP WATTSVILLES CASTLE by donating today....Although this will be a difficult process having a date, timeline, objective gives the opportunity to have a fixed target and turn the Castle into an official Welsh landmark that will still be visited 100 years from now.

PLEASE DONATE TO KEEP WATTSVILLES CASTLE....