With our interest in conserving nature and improving biodiversity, and given how keen we are on sustainable, co-operative communities, we were really interested to hear about Clydach Community Garden. And thanks to people who buy our green electricity and invest in our community share offers, we were pleased to support their work in January 2020 with a grant of £1,250.
Co-ordinator, Neil Barry, had this to say,
This is really exciting … new paths will help those with limited mobility to make the most of the garden and get more involved!”
The Community Garden is run entirely by volunteers, led by the hugely knowledgeable horticulturalist and educator, Neil Barry. Frequently brought in to support community growing projects of various kinds, Neil’s commitment will often see him staying involved and providing advice and support well beyond the terms of his contracts. He has a deep appreciation for the therapeutic effects of gardening and growing, and Clydach Community Garden began as a “social prescribing” project for the local GP cluster to refer people to if they were struggling with poor mental health.
The benefits of physical activity in the fresh air are huge, and the garden, created out of a patch of barren wasteland, soon needed polytunnels to allow participants to continue their work during wet weather. A surplus of produce including salads and other fresh veg has been being gratefully received by the local foodbank.
Funding from our one of our renewable energy projects was originally granted to develop a fruit orchard, adding to the produce available for sharing and the range of activities volunteers can get involved in. But the group received other funding specifically for fruit growing, so our grant will be used instead to create paths for improving access around the site.
New volunteers are always welcome. For more details visit the Clydach Community Garden Facebook page, e-mail neilbarryhorticulture@gmail.com or call Neil on 07808 502527
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