United Welsh gardens set to give nature a helping hand

The gardens of three United Welsh Living Well schemes will give nature a new lease of life thanks to an award partnership with environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

The three United Welsh schemes, which provide independent living accommodation for people aged over 55, are some of the first places in the country to benefit from this year’s Local Places for Nature scheme by the charity.

Keep Wales Tidy launched their Local Places for Nature campaign to help community groups and organisations restore and care for green spaces across the country. Each garden pack provides plants, tools, and other materials for groups to use, with Keep Wales Tidy offering support on the ground to help gardeners get underway.

At Ifor Jones Court in Cardiff, tenants will receive an urban garden pack to create a space for wildlife to thrive. Tenants in Llys Nant y Mynydd in Nantglo will receive a pollinator garden pack, designed to help create a ‘buzz’ by planting for bees, and tenants in Cronin Court in Tredegar will start their very own garden from scratch with a starter garden pack.

The Keep Wales Tidy awards were received by United Welsh’s Connect project, which provides older tenants at United Welsh Living Well schemes with different opportunities to connect with other people, places and social activities in their communities.

 Andrea Withers, Connect Facilitator at United Welsh, said:

“We’re really pleased to receive these Local Places for Nature packs from Keep Wales Tidy. Many of our tenants enjoy spending time outdoors and gardening is brilliant for wellbeing, so these packs will definitely bring a smile to their faces. We look forward to seeing what is created at the new gardens in Cardiff, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar.”

Last year, more than 500 small gardens across Wales were created, restored and enhanced. Community groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes got involved – from disability charities and youth groups to social enterprises and carer groups.

Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini said:

“Over the last twelve months, more people than ever have come to appreciate the value of nature on their doorstep. But urgent action must be taken to give reverse its decline.

“We’re delighted that United Welsh now has the opportunity to make a real difference through Local Places for Nature. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved.”

The initiative is part of a wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ fund committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

Thrive is United Welsh’s specialist accommodation and support service. Ifor Jones Court, Llys Nant Y Mynydd and Cronin Court are managed by Thrive’s Living Well team, who provide homes and services for older people across South Wales to live well in safety, happiness and good health.