Schools’ well-being garden a budding success thanks to Local Places for Nature

Llantwit Major School has benefitted from one of Keep Wales Tidy’s free garden packages.

Member of Senedd for Vale of Glamorgan, Jane Hutt, had the opportunity to enjoy Llantwit Major Schools’ Local Places for Nature garden on Friday 14 October.

The school transformed a piece of waste ground outside the canteen area after successfully applying for a food growing development package last July. Initially aimed at improving the well-being of vulnerable pupils, the garden has become an invaluable space for over 300 pupils to learn and unwind in nature.

The ‘Back 2 Nature’ garden continues to grow in success, attracting additional funding and donations of plants and seeds from the local community. As well as boosting the students’ well-being, by harvesting the fruits of their labour, any excess food is given to Llantwit Major food bank.

Member of Senedd for Vale of Glamorgan, Jane Hutt said:

“It was wonderful to join staff and pupils to learn more about their wellbeing garden and the huge difference it has made to the whole school community.”

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

“This is a shining example of how much impact our Local Places for Nature packages can have on the local community. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the school is able to teach pupils how to grow their own fruit and vegetables and even provide food to the local food bank.

“We’re excited to see how the project develops and loved hearing how much the garden means to the pupils and the wider community.”

Rob Jones from Llantwit Major School said:

“Our school garden is proving to be a valuable resource, not only to the school community, but also to the wider community of Llantwit Major. Students have thoroughly enjoyed utilising the food growing package provided by Keep Wales Tidy to be able to grow vegetables and gain a greater understanding as to where their food comes from. I believe this knowledge is invaluable.”

The initiative is jointly funded by the Welsh Government, part of a wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ programme committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’ and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Community groups and organisations across the country are being urged to apply now for a free garden package from Keep Wales Tidy to avoid missing out.

To apply for a free garden pack, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/nature

The final deadline for applications is Monday 21 November 2022, but packages are running low so get your applications in as soon as possible.