The Sound Trail Appeal

The Sound Trail is a project to build large scale outdoor instruments along a stretch of woodland on our Rhandirmwyn site.

We are fundraising to support the creation of a Sound Trail on our site at Rhandirmwyn.

We have already scoped out an area and the learners and residents from the Sound Space Music Therapy Group have come up with some fantastic ideas for what they would like to see.They have started making their own instruments!

 

A young man plays a xylophone
Richard tests the xylophone!

The project combines exploration, design, build and installation – this will run over a year – we will build and improve the trail as we raise money.

Introducing a Sound Trail

A Sound Trail is a series of accessible outdoor sound-making installations created from wood, metal and other natural materials, located in an outdoor environment. They can be complex and expensive, or basic and low cost. We want our Sound Trail to have longevity – more money means:

  • Instruments built from better materials that will last longer
  • The ability to create proper foundations
  • We can weatherproof our creations
  • Create shelters in the areas that are exposed
Three images on instruments in a montage
Some examples of instruments

Working in nature to support complex additional learning needs has been at the heart of our approach for 50 years. We have always used the rhythm of the seasons and the plentiful natural resources on our site to shape the activities we offer.

The Sound Trail location

Since recruiting a Music Therapist in 2025 we have now added musicality to what we do. A Sound Trail is the perfect combination of sound, rhythm and nature and we certainly have the space.

Three images of tree and forest from above

Sound Trailblazers!

Lots of people are involved in this project, the very first step has been to explore the concept of the Sound Trail and imagine what it could be like.

A group of people around a table
Designing the Sound Trail

Although the instruments we want are expensive, we are well positioned to create our own versions if we purchase the right quality materials. We have an on-site woodshop, extremely skilled staff, residents with lots of practical experience and many natural resources at our disposal.

So far we have two nearly completed xylophones and a tongue drum alongside the start of the design for a map that can be followed.

Two people play a wooden instrument

We want to build 9 instruments:

  • 2 big xylophones 
  • 1 tongue drum 
  • 1 or 2 hanging chime bars 
  • 1 giant rain stick 
  • 2 giant spinning drums
  • 1 set of tyre drums 

Why we need to raise money for this project

The main income for the charity is derived from fees received in exchange for services provided to learners and residents. Statutory funding alone does not cover the wider enrichment, therapeutic, and wellbeing opportunities that enable our learners to reach their potential.

Your support plays a vital role in enhancing learning outcomes and improving quality of life for people with limited resources.

Donate today to help us deliver our residents’ vision:

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Sound Trail appeal logo
Sound Trail appeal logo
A woman designing craft
A table with wooden instruments
A table with metal instruments
A drum design