The search is now in its fourth day(Image: Ellie Gosley)

The vast, remote, steep-sided forestry where missing Joanne Jones was last seen headed

26 Oct 2024, 00:05 by Ellie Gosley · Wales Online

Llanwonno Forest isn't widely known outside of the communities which border it. The heavily-forested, steep-sided slopes cover a large area bordered by the Rhondda fach and Cynon Valleys on either side and Ynysybwl to the south.

It's known for its forestry views, hidden waterfall, cycle trail, walking routes and picnic spots. This is where concerned members of the community and police are now searching for 49-year-old Joanne Jones.

She was last seen at around 9.45am on Monday morning, October 21, in Vale Gardens. Police believe that she headed onto Graigwen Road in the direction of the forestry. Specialist officers and mountain rescue teams are continuing to scour the area in their search, which is now into its fourth day. See the latest on the search here.

The focus of the search efforts is Llanwonno Forest(Image: Ellie Gosley)

Llanwonno is vast and contains lots of difficult terrain. It is not uncommon for keen hikers and dog walkers from the area to enjoy the beauty of the valleys from the heights of Llanwonno, but it is still incredibly secluded, with many miles of difficult terrain and thick forestry.

Heading towards Llanwonno from Graigwen Road would lead you to the southern-most region of the forestry, but from here there are many places where you could go. Llanwonno stretches all the way from Graigwen in Pontypridd, between the Rhondda and Cynon Valleys, up to Aberdare. Via the A470 road, this would be a 13 mile journey.

According to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Llanwonno forest covers 2,6444 hectares and is subdivided into three main areas; St Gwynn North and Castell Nos, St Gwynn South and Pen Parc. There is also a view of the Brecon Beacons, as well as numerous waterfalls and the hamlet itself, where St Gwynno’s Church and the grave of the legendary Guto Nyth Bran is located.

Map of Llanwonno and the areas Joanne was last seen(Image: Google Maps / WalesOnline)

Joanne Jones was last seen wearing hiking gear and a backpack(Image: walesonline)

While the police and specialist rescue teams, including helicopters, scent dogs and the mounted section focus on Llanwonno, this morning (October 25), members of the local community, supported by the police, searched some areas of Ynysybwl. They focused on the more urban-areas, checking houses for possible CCTV and doorbell footage that could help with enquiries.

One group headed to the top of Ynysybwl and searched swathes of local farmland and wooded areas, which emphasised how vast the area that is being focused on is. Before even reaching Llanwonno Forest, there is plenty of challenging terrain, including drops down into streams, boggy areas and rocky paths.

One of the volunteers, Phillip Evans, 70, from Ynysybwl, joined the search to help find Joanne. He said: “If we can search these areas it helps the police to use their assets to search other areas.”

He added that the area is “community-minded” which is why so many people want to try and help. For the latest Pontypridd news, sign up to our newsletter here

Locals took part in a coordinated search of Ynysybwl this morning(Image: John Myers)

Members of the public who have information that could help locate Joanne Jones should contact South Wales Police and quote reference no. 2400351002.(Image: John Myers)

Amanda Ellis, local councillor for Ynysybwl, was also supporting the community search. She said: “People want to help - they know that somebody is missing. I think Joanne was known to people in Ynysybwl as well as Pontypridd and it’s so close to home. People just want to do what they possibly can to help to find Joanne and bring her home safely to her family. The community has a history of helping in crisis, they always come together and they’ve done themselves proud again this week. I’m just hoping that this ends positively.”

She added: “We’ve been working closely with the police to see what we can do to help them. Obviously we don’t want to step on toes so we’re mindful of what they’re doing and very grateful. All the professionals and the volunteers this week have shown above and beyond what they’re capable of, so a big thanks to them”

When asked about what the area being searched is like, she explained: “It’s huge. It’s a vast area. There’s lots of walkways, lots of paths, lots of terrain that is difficult and dangerous, so it’s important to keep safe if you are out looking.”

Chief Inspector Matt Rowlands has thanked the local support but doesn't want anyone putting themselves in danger.

He said: "We appreciate that members of the local community would like to set up volunteer search teams to look for Joanne however there are important points to bear in mind if you plan to go out and look for her. It’s important that, due to the terrain and conditions, you don’t put yourself in danger so please don’t go out alone; tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return; make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and stick to designated pathways and tracks.

"I would reiterate that all sightings be shared with us via one of the below means with the date and time you saw Joanne - if you have a what3words location that would be ideal. This will enable us to highlight where a cluster of sightings have been reported, which we can investigate further."

He added: "We are also keen to hear from anyone who has dash-cam or doorbell footage in the areas of Graigwen/ Llanwonno/ Perthcelyn/ Ynysybwl from 9.30am on Monday morning until now to come forward.

“I understand how distressing this is for Joanne’s family and friends, and we are grateful for the ongoing support offered by the local community over the past few days.”

If you can assist efforts to trace Joanne, contact South Wales Police by one of the below means quoting 2400351002. Live chat here, or online here. Or call South Wales Police on 101.

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