Veterans charity R3 Cymru has put in for a Community Covenant bid of over £300,000 to build a disabled cycleway and fitness stations at its headquarters in Wentwood.

This is a very ambitious plan that involves creating a one-kilometre track in and out of the trees on a rubber composition base that will be shock absorbing, yet give sufficient traction for a variety of devices such as hand cycles or even tandem pedalled wheelchairs.

One of the biggest challenges is to make sure that each part of the upward slope is not more than eight per cent with a number of short cuts and leaving points for those whose abilities are not yet up to the full challenge.

If the bid is successful, a range of hand cycles, tandems and other equipment will be on hire for those who wish to improve their fitness and maybe prepare for the next Paralympics.

The intention is that both military and civilian communities will benefit insofar as that both veterans with problems post conflict and civilians with a range of disabilities may play to each others' strengths in a spirit of mutual encouragement.

Volunteers from both regular and reserve military units, able bodied veterans and those who have managed such trauma as amputation may become mentors and role models for others who are further down the rehabilitation curve.

Adaptation of the existing forestry offices and the construction of wooden changing room and shower facilities are part of the bid.

Water will be recycled where practicable and efforts will be made to conserve energy resources in line with R3 Cymru's essentially 'Green' remit.

A staged plan has been drawn up in support of the bid, beginning with a detailed survey then a programme of clearing undergrowth in the woodland.

Any thinning of the few obstructing trees will need to be done after the nesting season is over.

It is intended that volunteers, reservists, regular soldiers on leave, NEETs needing work experience will all have opportunities to become involved in the project through the clearing, landscaping construction and installation phases. Training courses leading to qualification will form part of the mix as the project develops.

There is a pressing need for greater integration of both military and civilian communities to converge on a number of projects.

It is hoped that the discipline, camaraderie and experience of military personnel will pay dividends in terms of addressing a number of issues such as teenage marginalisation in civilian life.

It is also necessary for civilians to assist those in transition from the very different experience of life in the services to become fully integrated and self sufficient after discharge.

Each community has something to offer the other, R3 Cymru, through such projects, seeks to become a facilitator allowing such useful interchange to happen.

Over and above the Community Covenant bid, R3 will need a great deal of volunteer help, ideas and practical assistance across the spectrum of maintenance, training, fund raising, publicity and referrals.

This is very much a wide ranging mission with the potential to stretch far beyond the borders of Wales, yet very much centred in the local community, benefitting from a beautiful location and a great deal of goodwill.

There is also the intention to involve local schools and colleges, not only in sponsored events but as a means of spreading the word, assisting those considering post education options and improving career prospects by means of internships, training schemes and projects that have benefitted from the wisdom, experience and commitment of service veterans and volunteers in the third sector who have so much to impart.

Anyone wishing to help in fundraising events, sponsorship, publicity or donations can call 01633 400863 or email [email protected]">[email protected]