A group of people in Pontypridd are working to transform a patch of disused land into a beautiful community garden where flowers bloom and fresh food grows, and it's about to get even better. The land on Meadow Street, in Treforest, was left unattended and overgrown for almost eight years, before being re-acquired by Pontypridd Town Council.
At the beginning of 2021 work began to clear the space, and the town council worked with local volunteers to completely transform the area. Now Pontypridd Town Council has received a grant from the Local Places for Nature scheme, which is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to help the project grow even more. You can keep up to date with developments from across Pontypridd by signing up to our weekly newsletter.
A grant of £91,000 will enable the Meadow Street Community project to transform the site in Treforest, with the aim of bringing people across the Pontypridd area together to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in green spaces and nature while helping to cultivate a vibrant hub for the community.
The grant funding will be used to:
- Treat invasive species that are encroaching the site, by excavation and spraying. Pontypridd Town Council will continue these treatments after the first year.
- Build accessible raised beds using locally-sourced materials to grow fruit and vegetables, providing for the local community.
- Restore and enhance the current orchard, building on this with a new soft fruit growing area using, where possible, heritage fruit trees and bushes.
- Create natural looking accessible pathways for members of the public to be able to access all areas safely.
- Create wildlife corridors using native hedgerows.
- Develop a community led sensory garden made up of native species, seating area and pergola, so those most in need of nature’s therapy can connect.
- Introduce a new pond to be used as part of a learning tool and to help encourage the wildlife within the site.
- Create native wildflower pollinating areas, working to create a wildflower labyrinth.
- Carry out an ecology report to support a species and biodiversity management plan.
- Tree maintenance.
- Purchase equipment to survey wildlife and increase habitat on the site and to support the monitoring and assessment.
- Deliver community workshops, volunteer training and skills sharing sessions revolving around nature, growing and climate change.
- Inspire a wide range of residents to volunteer at MSC through external engagement in their own setting leading to attendance at MSC.
An open day took place on Saturday, March 19 where people had the chance to get a first glimpse of the development so far. Pontypridd Town Council Community Development Officer, Helen Williams, said: “With the support of the Local Places for Nature scheme and the Welsh Government, we hope to get the community inspired by nature and growing, giving them opportunities to experience and value nature first-hand, on their doorsteps. Encouraging community-led activities to instill pride and community action to protect and enhance nature and the environment, with a vision to create a safe and welcoming place where people from all walks of life can come and enjoy the benefits of nature, homegrown produce and can share and learn new skills.”
Meadow Street Community is located along a busy footpath, connecting Hawthorn and Rhydyfelin to Treforest. It had not been in use for several years, and was devastated by Storm Dennis in February 2020. You can see the stark images that show the sheer devastation wrought by Storm Dennis two years ago here.
Work has since been done to clear the site and engage with the community, but the floods caused a vast amount of damage, and it is hoped the National Lottery People and Places Grant will help to transform the site, enabling it to reach its full potential.
The project is located on the banks of the River Taff, an important wildlife corridor, with a high biodiversity value. With the right care and management of the site a myriad of interesting plants and animals will be encouraged to grow.
The project is also looking to encourage more volunteers to get involved with the community. The group meets every Thursday from 1.30pm until 6pm, and new members are always welcome. You can find the garden at Meadow Street Community, Meadow Street, Treforest, CF37 1UD.
